Satisfaction of Pre-service and In-service Teachers with Primary School Organization:Evidence From Greece

Abstract

This article investigates and compares the satisfaction levels of pre-service and in-service primary school teachers with respect to school organization and administration. Primary data were collected through questionnaires completed by 315 pre-service teachers and 439 in-service teachers in Greece. The following six factors of school organization were identified: school climate, principal’s role, school organization, teacher incentives, role of superiors, and teachers’ role. According to the findings, the satisfaction ratings of pre-service and in-service teachers were significantly different on all of the above factors. Specifically, the satisfaction ratings of pre-service teachers were significantly lower than those of in-service teachers on all factors, except for the teacher incentives factor, where they were significantly higher. The article examines the implications of the findings for the job satisfaction of pre-service and in-service teachers and offers suggestions on measures that can be used to enhance the work motivation of teaching staff. © 2006, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.