Teacher Work and Job Satisfaction among Romanian Lower Secondary Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical based understanding of the Romanian context of teacher work, which provides an opportunity to identify characteristics considered to affect teaching activities and gives a basis for planning and conducting other research on teachers working conditions. The paper is based on authors' research which is a secondary analysis of Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2013 database. The database contains the survey responses of teachers of lower secondary education (ISCED 2) and the principals of their schools. During the investigation cross/tables, cluster analysis, linear and logistical analyses were used. Based on our research results, we can see that the factors attributed both to the individuals and to the elements of pedagogical culture show a strong correlation with the characteristics of the teaching and the satisfaction with the teaching. Considering the factors attributed to the individuals, professional development and the total career time is the most influential factor of job satisfaction and teacher’s self-efficacy. Among the variables included in the school culture dimension, the effectiveness of teacher work, the disciplined atmosphere, the values of student/teacher relationships and the positive effects of teacher-teacher relationships indicated satisfaction and self-efficacy.

Structural Modeling of EFL/ESL Teachers’ Physical Activity, Mental Health, Psychological Well-being, and Self-efficacy

“…Findings are consistent with the results of the studies undertaken by WHO [36], indicating that people involved and engaged in sports and physical activities are more resilient and can cope with stressors and negative emotions such as anxiety and aggression from their environments. The same nding was also reported by Zoller and Bacskai [92], who stated that there is a statistically signi cant positive relationship between one's involvement in physical activities and their psychological well-being. Some other studies also con rmed the signi cant contribution of physical activities to people's mental health.…”

Self-Efficacy, Job Satisfaction and Teacher Well-Being in the K-12 Educational System

“…Zoller and Bacskai analyze fundamental aspects of job satisfaction in the Romanian educational system, namely, job satisfaction, self-efficacy, and school climate, concluding that job satisfaction, in Romanian lower secondary education, is dependent on professional development, a disciplined atmosphere, teacher–student relationships, and stakeholder relations [ 7 ]. Despite various issues, teachers’ job satisfaction and well-being depend on relationships; therefore, policy makers might consider the impact of their implemented policies on school climates.…”

“…Autonomy and collegiality need to be assessed in a balanced way, because they have certain forms, which coupled with workplace conditions seem to have a higher positive influence on the professional development of teachers. Collaboration is part of the teaching profession; therefore, efficient collaboration with colleagues [ 7 ] increases well-being and has beneficial effects on the classroom environment, as Yang et al [ 84 ] pointed out. Zoller et al [ 7 ] observed that teachers have an internal desire to learn and develop professionally.…”

“…Collaboration is part of the teaching profession; therefore, efficient collaboration with colleagues [ 7 ] increases well-being and has beneficial effects on the classroom environment, as Yang et al [ 84 ] pointed out. Zoller et al [ 7 ] observed that teachers have an internal desire to learn and develop professionally. In the case of Romanian teachers, effective professional development programs have a high impact on job satisfaction.…”

Education For Change Through Professionalism And Motivation For Teaching Career

“…Contemporary education has a prospective character and is the main tool to facilitate access to information, to transmit the products of human thought, with the status of knowledge that a community has accumulated. In the contemporary social context, when information and knowledge are the main factors of development, it is expected that the education system will make a prospective development effort and assign to the school the role of knowledge and responsibility for the normal development of society (Zoller & Bacskai, 2020).…”