Teaching in Native American/Alaskan Native Communities: A Schools and Staffing Survey Analysis of Job Attitudes

• In Event: 36.035 - Indigenous Peoples of the Americas SIG Business Meeting

Abstract

This study utilizes the 2007-2008 Schools and Staffing Survey data in the examination of teacher job attitudes and working conditions across four classifications of schools situated on or near Native American / Alaskan Native communities. A combination of confirmatory factor analysis and multiple regression techniques yielded significant differences on teacher pay satisfaction, teacher job satisfaction and administrative support variables. Analysis also revealed extreme salary level differentials and disparate student-to-staff ratios across school types. Findings are relevant to the discussion of tribal sovereignty and the improvement of resource allocation practices and working conditions at schools serving predominantly indigenous populations.

Author

• Laura Erickson-Alvarado, The University of Texas - El Paso