What predicts teacher professional collaboration? A servant leadership-based study in elementary schools

Although professional collaboration among teachers plays a critical role in enhancing school effectiveness and instructional quality, empirical studies that jointly examine the organizational and individual determinants of this collaboration remain limited. This study aimed to identify variables that significantly predict the likelihood of elementary school teachers engaging in professional collaboration. The study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational survey design. The sample consisted of 310 teachers working in elementary schools in the city center of Siirt, selected through cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Servant Leadership Scale and the Professional Collaboration subscale. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Results showed that school level, participation in professional activities, professional seniority, and principals’ servant leadership behaviors significantly predicted teachers’ likelihood of engaging in professional collaboration. In contrast, gender, marital status, educational status, length of time working with the school principal, and length of service at the school were not significant predictors. Overall, the findings highlight the role of servant leadership.