Publication Date
2020
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Wilkins, Elizabeth A.
Degree Name
Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)
Legacy Department
Department of Curriculum and Instruction (CI)
Abstract
This dissertation examined the experiences and perceptions of mid-career elementary teachers by exploring elements contributing to their level of job satisfaction and intent to remain in the field. Participants for the study were identified from those who responded to a questionnaire that they received via their district email addresses. All four participants were teachers with 6-17 years of teaching experience who had considered leaving the field.
Data collection strategies included a series of three interviews with each teacher, as well as responses to two writing prompts. Through analysis of the qualitative data, several common themes emerged, thus providing insight into the teachers’ conceptualization of job satisfaction. Sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction were found related to their role and the support and resources they received. The connection between each teacher’s level of job satisfaction and intent to remain in the field also elicited common themes. One’s fit with the organization was important, and reasons to stay in the field and consider making a change were described by the teachers. Ultimately, the influence of their level of job satisfaction on the intent to remain in the field was uniquely experienced by each teacher.
Four major assertions emerged from the findings of this study. The influence of school context on job satisfaction confirmed and extended findings from previous research. The supports that are of greatest benefit to these teachers were described as both layered and differentiated. Two components of organizational commitment (affective and continuance) were reflected in the findings. Additionally, career intention is a construct that should include the following possibilities: intend to stay, intend to change context, intend to leave the field, and considering leaving the field. The final possibility, considering leaving the field, is one that merits continued discussion. Recommendations for educators in various roles are provided. The findings and major assertions of this study informed recommendations for future research related to job satisfaction, career stages, and intent to remain in the field.
Recommended Citation
Westberg, Sarah Elizabeth, "Mid-Career Elementary Teachers' Perceptions of Elements that Contribute to Job Satisfaction and intent to Remain in the Field" (2020). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 7776.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/7776
Extent
185 pages
Language
eng
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
