The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Teacher Effectiveness: Evidence from Australian Primary Schools

This mixed-methods study investigated the relationship between teachers' emotional intelligence (EI) and their effectiveness in primary school classrooms across three Australian states. A sample of 186 teachers completed the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue), while their effectiveness was assessed through classroom observations, student achievement data, and administrator evaluations. Results revealed that teachers with higher EI scores demonstrated superior classroom management, stronger student-teacher relationships, and more adaptive instructional strategies. Path analysis showed that EI influenced student outcomes both directly and indirectly through teacher self-efficacy and job satisfaction. The study advocates for the integration of emotional intelligence training in pre-service and in-service teacher education programs.