Unpacking Kindergarten Teaching: How Certification Area and Perceived Control Shape Learning Environments and Job Satisfaction

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Research and Quality in Early Childhood Education (Table 7)

Abstract

This study examined predictors of kindergarten teachers' developmentally appropriate learning environments and job satisfaction using ECLS-K:2011 data. Using multilevel modeling, we investigated the influence of early childhood education (ECE) certification and perceived instructional control on classroom interest areas and job satisfaction. Results reveal significant state- and school-level variance in certification and classroom practices. An interaction effect shows that ECE-certified teachers with high perceived control have more interest areas in their classrooms. Perceived control, but not certification, predicts job satisfaction. Findings highlight the need to consider teacher autonomy when examining relationships between certification area and classroom practices.

Authors

• Alison Hooper, University of Alabama

• Joon-Ho Lee, University of Alabama

• R. Clarke Fowler, Salem State University