TEACHER MORALE

Teacher Morale

Teacher Morale

Abstract

There are several reasons why teachers choose to change schools or leave teaching completely. Stress related to increased demands on time, low pay, student discipline problems, low morale levels, and lack of support from campus administration are issues that teachers must face. This study attempted to determine the effect, if any, that teacher morale had on teachers' decisions to change schools. The results of the study showed that there was no significant correlation between teacher morale levels and teachers' decisions to change schools. The results also showed that there was no significant relationship between teachers' feeling of satisfaction with their principals and the teachers' decisions to change schools. The study finds that there was a very significant relationship between teacher morale levels and teachers' satisfaction with their school principals.

Chapter 1: Introduction

There are a number of factors that influence teacher turnover in schools. Increased duties and demands on time, low pay, and disruptive students have a significant impact on teachers' attitudes toward their jobs. In addition, lack of support from staff at all levels has an effect on teacher satisfaction. A correlation study determined whether factors such as teachers' morale levels and satisfaction with principals are contributing factors in a teacher's decision to change campuses.

Statement of the Problem

Teacher turnover in schools is the result of many different possible issues. The purpose of this project was to determine: (1) if morale levels among teachers playa significant part in their decisions to change school campuses and (2) if teachers' satisfaction or dissatisfaction with principals affects turnover rates.

Research Questions

Some of the more obvious reasons why teachers choose to change schools or leave teaching completely are salary, student discipline, and administration's demands. Other issues that anyone in the workforce faces are job satisfaction and personal morale. This includes teachers as well.

Question 1: Is there a relationship between teacher morale levels and teacher turnover rates?

Significance to the Field of Marriage and Family Therapy

Counselors assist clients with career evaluation and decision-making processes.

Understanding and being aware of the variety of issues that have an impact on a teacher's morale is an important part of helping the teacher assess his or her needs and goals on a career level and ultimately determine what options are available to help the individual succeed in achieving these goals.

It is important to work through career related issues. A person's unhappiness with their job affects their relationships with others, especially their relationships with family members. Briggs and Richardson (1992, Morale in Education, 1) state that morale is a concern in the industrial world where salaries, working conditions, employee input, and management-labor relationships are areas of concern due to their impact on productivity and attitude. They go on to quote Schulz and Schulz's statement that "unhappiness at work carries over into other aspects of life, can disrupt relationships with family and friends, and can influence physical and mental health."

Definition of Terms

1. Morale - Morale is the extent to which a person's needs are ...