A Step towards Sustainable Education: Does an Entrepreneurial Teacher Nurture Creativity?

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between teachers’ entrepreneurial behaviors and their creativity-nurturing behaviors, with a particular emphasis on sustainability in education. While previous studies have typically examined entrepreneurship and creativity as separate concepts, often focusing on their individual dimensions, this study underscores the significance of integrating entrepreneurial and creative competencies to promote sustainable educational practices. By highlighting how teachers’ entrepreneurial and creative skills contribute to sustainable education, this study addresses the broader impact these competencies have on meeting the evolving needs and expectations of students, families, and society. This approach supports the development of a more resilient and adaptive education system that can thrive over time. The research involved 1396 classroom teachers from the Mersin province of Turkey. Analysis of the data revealed a strong positive correlation between teachers’ entrepreneurial behaviors and their creativity-nurturing behaviors, indicating that teachers who exhibit higher levels of entrepreneurial traits are more likely to engage in practices that foster creativity or that teachers who exhibit higher levels of creativity nurturing behaviors are more likely to engage in entrepreneurial practices among their students. Thus, the importance of the high-level relationship between entrepreneurial behaviors and creativity-enhancing behaviors in improving sustainability in education has been revealed. This study highlights the need to integrate entrepreneurial skills into teaching practices to support a sustainable educational framework.