Exploring Factors Influencing Teacher Job Satisfaction in Nigerian Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct an empirical investigation on job satisfaction amongst Nigerian schoolteachers. Specifically, this study sought to determine the level of satisfaction amongst teachers and identify factors that contribute to teacher job satisfaction. The sample of 117 currently practicing teachers enrolled in a part-time educational program completed a questionnaire that assessed their teaching job satisfaction, monthly salary, and five other factors that were predicted to be related to teacher job satisfaction. Overall, a majority of the teachers were satisfied with the teaching profession. Monthly salary was not significantly related with teacher job satisfaction. However, the five additional factors were related to job satisfaction. Teacher/principal relationship, provision of instructional materials, attitude toward the teaching profession, and belief in social contribution of teaching all had significant positive relationships with teacher job satisfaction. Choosing teaching as a last resort career had a weak negative correlation.