The role of agency and communion in understanding teacher-student conflict resolution: The needs-based model of reconciliation

Teachers frequently encounter conflicts in schools, posing significant challenges that impact both educators and institutions. Based on the theoretical framework of the Needs-Based Model of Reconciliation, we explored teachers’ emotional needs during conflicts. Two studies were conducted: self-reports from 196 Israeli high school teachers and observations of 15 teachers in simulations. Multivariate analysis revealed that teachers aim to restore emotional needs during conflicts. While they reported a need for morality, their behavior displayed a need for agency. These findings suggest that addressing teachers’ emotional needs could be an effective conflict resolution strategy and highlight pathways for successful professional development.