Occupational Value of the Teaching Profession: A Comparison of the United States and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Countries

• In Event: International Relations Committee Paper Session 1

Abstract

Using nationally representative teacher and principal data in 29 OECD countries including the U.S. from the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), this comparative study examined the level of teachers’ sense of occupational value, working conditions associated with their occupational value, and its teacher-related outcomes. Our analysis showed that, although the reported level of occupational value among U.S. teachers is higher than the international average, most of them do not feel that their occupation is valued, and their dissatisfaction with salary level seems to be one important predictor of this perception. The teachers with a higher level of occupational value were more likely to report collective commitment to improvement and job satisfaction in the U.S. and other OECD countries.

Authors

• Motoko Akiba, Florida State University

• Soo-yong Byun, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park

• Kyeongwon Kim, Florida State University

• Sangkyoo Kang, The Pennsylvania State University