Billingsley notes that while considerable attention has been focused on the impact that administrator support has on teacher retention relatively little notice has been given to colleague support. Results of the available research are surprising. Of the four studies that Billingsley reviewed three found that colleague factors did not strongly contribute or did not contribute at all to an educator's decision to leave.

However, several other studies pointed out that creating a supportive work environment that fosters professional development and good working relationships encourages commitment. Billingsley indicates that it is impractical to suggest that only administrator support influences an educator's perception of being supported. Billingsley recommends creating an atmosphere of overall collaboration and collegial support among special and general educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, parents and other service providers.

Source:

Billingsley, B. S. (2004). Special education teacher retention and attrition: A critical analysis of the research literature. Journal of Special Education, 38(1), 39-55.