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The level of occupational burnout (OB) and job satisfaction (JS) was investigated in primary school teachers (n = 125) in the region of Epirus in Northwestern Greece. Teachers exhibited a high level of emotional exhaustion (EE), a medium level of depersonalization (DP), and a lack of personal accomplishment (PA). In our study, EE, which is a significant component of OB, varied according to intrinsic and extrinsic JS parameters. Teachers were less satisfied and more stressed with extrinsic job characteristics of their job, such as working conditions and working hours. Female teachers were more likely to exhibit increased satisfaction from intrinsic job characteristics, whereas male teachers were more likely to exhibit increased emotional exhaustion and lack of personal accomplishment. Job satisfaction had a significant negative impact on emotional exhaustion. Job satisfaction accounted (EE = 47.173 − 3.527*JS) for 35.1% of the total variation in the dependent variation of EE (F(1124) = 66.094, p < 0.001), indicating that job satisfaction had a significant negative effect on EE, such that an additional unit in job satisfaction will lower EE by 3.527. A Pearson correlation analysis revealed that age correlated negatively with emotional exhaustion (r = −0.204, p = 0.023). Proactive human resources policies may be required to protect the newly hired and less experienced teachers from exposure to stressful working conditions.

There are few options available for school managers who wish to effectively tackle school conflicts. The aim of the present work was to assess the issue of school conflict, its sources, and the effectiveness of different conflict management styles in Secondary Education school units in Greece. Teachers (n = 128) from twelve randomly selected schools in the region of Epirus, NW Greece, participated in the present work. Teachers' views on their school Principals' leadership style as well as the sources, the type(s), and the severity of conflict in their school unit were surveyed. Conflict appeared to be a frequent issue in schools. Frequent sources of conflict included interpersonal and organizational parameters. School leaders exhibited a range of conflict management styles. Compromise and Collaborative styles were frequently observed, followed by Smoothing and Forcing. Avoidance was less frequently exhibited by school leaders. The transformational and transactional leadership styles exhibited were equally effective in successful conflict resolution, whereas a laissez-faire leadership style was not. The results indicate that leadership and conflict management style can be associated with the effectiveness of conflict management.

Aims: Nowadays, teachers in Greece are facing rapidly changing working conditions with increased workload and working hours, severe pay cuts and high taxation. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate burnout and job satisfaction among Physical Education teachers in Primary Public schools in Greece. Study Design: A survey of Physical Education teachers (n =132) received a questionnaire and responded to the survey (n =105, 79.5% response). Place and Duration of Study: This work was carried out in the region of West Greece, in Primary Education Schools during the school year 2012-2013. Methodology: A Pearson Correlation (results analysed with SPSS) was used to investigate possible correlations between the examined parameters. Results:The results indicate that teachers exhibited moderate levels of job satisfaction (64.66 ±8.09), high levels of emotional exhaustion (26.14±9.37), low depersonalization (1.69±0.79) and personal accomplishment (38.61±5.36). Job satisfaction was inversely related with burnout (-0.433, P<0.05) but not related with demograppic parameters, such as age and gender. On the contrary, gender had a significant effect on the levels of emotional exhaustion (0.225, P=0.021) while family status had a significant effect on the personal accomplishment (0.272, P=0.004). Teachers were mostly satisfied with their working conditions, the work itself, their colleagues and mostly dissatisfied with working hours, salary issues and low prospects of professional development. Original Research ArticleConclusion: It is obvious that cut in salaries, decreased job security and deterioration of the working conditions had an impact on the previously established "heaven" of Public Servants in Greece. This information could be used by School Managers and the Greek Government for intiating correcting actions to reverse the trend exhibited in the present work.

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The objective of the present study was to investigate parents’, teachers’ and principals’ views on parental involvement (PI) in Secondary Education Schools in Greece. The research was based on a survey among parents (n = 54), teachers (n = 84) and principals (n = 12) in twelve Secondary Education Schools in Magnesia Region in central East Greece. Different views between each group were exhibited on PI in educational issues, decision making or creating links and communication between the school and the local community. Teachers expressed the view that workload and parental attitudes are factors which discourage parental involvement in their school units. Parents felt that teachers’ professionalism, lack of teachers’ training on parental involvement and parents who hesitate talking to teachers were significant barriers for PI in their school units. School principals agreed with parents and teachers on the barriers established due to teachers’ professionalism and parents’ hesitation in talking to teachers as significant factors which discourage PI in their school units. Contrarily to teachers’ views, school principals expressed their willingness to increase PI in teachers’ and school evaluation. School leaders should explore the possibility of organising meetings with teachers and parents to reduce barriers and misconceptions, paving the way for communication between the school unit and parents, increasing the positive outcomes of PI in school management and students’ success.

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