The structure and influencing factors of educationalist spirit among students majoring in education: an integrated model based on entrepreneurial leadership and teacher efficacy.

This study aims to explore the internal structure and influencing factors of the educationalist spirit among students majoring in education. The research includes two studies: Study one developed and validated the educationalist spirit scale through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, which included four dimensions: educational sentiment, innovative spirit, moral leadership, and social responsibility. Based on social cognitive theory, study two constructed an integrated model and examined the joint impact of entrepreneurial leadership and teacher efficacy on the educationalist spirit through a questionnaire survey of 512 university students majoring in education. The results of structural equation modeling analysis indicate that: (1) Entrepreneurial leadership of principal and teacher are significantly positively influence on the educationalist spirit; (2) Principal entrepreneurial leadership has a significant positive impact on teacher entrepreneurial leadership; (3) Teacher efficacy is significantly and positively influence on the educationalist spirit; (4) Teacher efficacy partially mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and the educationalist spirit. The research conclusion reveals the formation mechanism of the educationalist spirit, providing empirical evidence for normal universities to optimize leadership styles, enhance teacher efficacy, and cultivate future educators.