Characterization of Basic Education Teachers Based on the Social Cognitive Model of Job Satisfaction

Abstract

Teachers’ job satisfaction and the factors that contribute to it are important in the school context as theycanaffect teachers’ motivation and performance. This study aims to identify the dimensions associated with the degree of satisfaction amongbasic education teachers based on the Social Cognitive Model of Teacher Job Satisfaction and the degree of collective teacher efficacy. This study applied quantitative research methods to a sample of 495 basic education teachers within a network of private schools in three Brazilian states. The results indicate that positive affect and life satisfaction were the factors most strongly associated with job satisfaction. There was no association between efficacy beliefs (self-efficacy and collective efficacy) and job satisfaction. Elementary school teachers had the most negative perceptions of teaching. Specific aspectsof the school environment, such as a lack of student discipline, may have contributed to this result.