Factors Contributing to American STEM Teachers' Job Satisfaction: A Quantitative Analysis of TALIS 2018 Data

• In Event: Educator Stress, Well-Being, and Job Satisfaction

Abstract

The shortage of STEM teachers caused by the high turnover rate is a vital constraint to the advancement of U.S. STEM education, and improving their job satisfaction can ameliorate this situation. Urged by these growing concerns, we adopted Hertzberg’s motivation theory as the theoretical framework to help identify factors that may significantly affect teacher job satisfaction. By analyzing TALIS 2018 data, three teacher-level motivating factors (i.e., advancement, responsibility, and recognition) and three school-level hygiene factors (i.e., academic pressure, inclusiveness to diversity, and workplace safety) were identified. We employed HLM to analyze their correlation with job satisfaction. Results of both levels simultaneously highlighted the value of caring for students with special needs. Finally, we provided some practical insights to policymakers.

Authors

• Yu Xiao, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Yeping Li, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Ke Wang, Nicholls State University