The Effect of Work Environment on Early Childhood Teachers’ Turnover Intention : Dual Sequential Mediating Effect of Teaching Competency and Burnout

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effects of teaching competency and burnout on the relationship between work environment and turnover intention among early childhood teachers. Methods A total of 480 early childhood teachers working in educational institutions located in Gyeonggi Province participated in the study. Data were collected through surveys measuring work environment, turnover intention, teaching competency, and burnout, and were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results First, teaching competency was found to mediate the relationship between work environment and turnover intention. Second, burnout also mediated the relationship between work environment and turnover intention. Third, a sequential dual mediation effect of teaching competency and burnout was identified in the relationship between work environment and turnover intention. Conclusion The findings highlight the significance of teaching competency and burnout in understanding early childhood teachers’ turnover intentions. Based on the results and in comparison with previous research, the study discusses implications for reducing teacher turnover and suggests directions for future research.