RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHER JOB SATISFACTION AND TEAMING STRUCTURE AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL

Abstract

This study compared the perceptions of middle school teachers regarding the characteristics of teams in theirs school and their job satisfaction levels. The study used two instruments to collect data. The Team Excellence Feedback for Development instrument was used to identify the extent to which teachers perceive the characteristics of highly effective teams in their schools; the Mohrman-Cooke-Mohrman Job Satisfaction Scales were used to measure teacher intrinsic, extrinsic, and overall job satisfaction; and a researcher-created questionnaire was used to collect ancillary data. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between teachers' perceptions of the characteristics of the teams in their schools and their expressed job satisfaction. The results of the study indicate that maintenance of a collaborative culture in which educators engage in focused and purposeful activities dealing with instruction, assessment and professional development is essential in motivating teachers to perform above and beyond their current level. The study concluded that the attributes of teaming can impact teachers' attitudes toward their jobs and their motivation to improve performance.