Stefan Johansson

Teacher shortages are a growing problem in education systems worldwide, making job satisfaction a critical issue. Research shows that satisfied teachers are more likely to stay in the profession, which has a positive impact on students and school communities. In a recent study, we explored what drives teacher job satisfaction, focusing on the influence of school working conditions and teacher characteristics.

Using data from the 2015 TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) on Swedish eighth-grade math teachers, the study examines key factors such as workload, collaboration, and professional development, and uncovers some notable insights into what keeps teachers satisfied and motivated.

Key Findings on Job Satisfaction Drivers

  1. The Role of Working Conditions
    One of the key findings of this study is that school working conditions play a significant role for teachers’ job satisfaction. Three areas stood out: a manageable workload, supportive teacher cooperation, and good student discipline. Teachers reported greater satisfaction when they felt their workload was manageable and they had time to focus on teaching rather than administrative tasks. Collaboration with colleagues also contributed to a positive work experience, helping teachers feel connected and supported.

Student behavior was another important factor. Teachers in schools with well-disciplined classrooms were more satisfied with their jobs, suggesting that a safe and respectful environment is critical not only for students but also for teachers’ job satisfaction.

2. Personal and Professional Characteristics
While school conditions are influential, the study also found that certain teacher characteristics relate to job satisfaction. Female teachers, for instance, tended to report slightly higher satisfaction levels than their male counterparts. Teachers who had more professional development opportunities also felt more satisfied, indicating that continuing professional learning and growth are key components of a rewarding teaching career.

    One of the most interesting findings was the relationship between job satisfaction and self-efficacy—teachers’ confidence in their ability to effectively manage classroom challenges and support student learning. Teachers with high self-efficacy were generally more satisfied, suggesting that belief in their own abilities can buffer against job-related stressors.

    3. Why Teacher Cooperation Matters More for Men
    The study also found that male teachers’ job satisfaction was particularly influenced by collaboration with colleagues. While both male and female teachers benefitted from a cooperative environment, this factor was even more important for men, suggesting that a supportive school culture may play a distinct role in job satisfaction for different groups.

      4. Student Discipline as a Key for Less Confident Teachers
      For teachers with lower self-efficacy, the presence of strong student discipline was particularly important for their job satisfaction. Teachers who felt less confident in dealing with classroom challenges relied more on a well-ordered environment, highlighting the need for schools to provide additional support for teachers with varying levels of experience and confidence.

        Implications for Schools and Policymakers

        The findings suggest several ways schools can foster a more positive working environment for teachers, which could enhance teacher retention and improve the overall school climate. For example, providing structured time for teacher collaboration, ensuring manageable workloads, and promoting a disciplined school environment could improve teacher job satisfaction.

        For policymakers, the study emphasizes the importance of professional development. Investing in further training for teachers not only improves the quality of teaching, but also appears to make teachers feel more fulfilled in their roles. In addition, strategies that increase teachers’ self-efficacy—such as mentoring programs and resources for classroom management—might help increase job satisfaction, especially for those new to the field.

        In short, this study suggests that school leaders and policymakers need to consider both environmental factors and individual needs in order to keep teachers engaged and satisfied in their work. Creating a supportive and organized school environment, along with opportunities for personal and professional growth, may be the best approach to helping teachers thrive in the long run.

        Read the full article here. Toropova, A., Myrberg, E., & Johansson, S. (2021). Teacher job satisfaction: the importance of school working conditions and teacher characteristics. Educational review, 73(1), 71-97

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