Leading Factors Positively Impacting Teacher Job Satisfaction

Author

Abby M. Smith Ms., Concordia University - Saint PaulFollow

Date of Award

5-3-2025

Document Type

Non Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education

Program

Educational Leadership

Capstone Instructor

Dr. Brian Boothe

Second Reader

Dr. Tosca Grimm

Keywords

Teacher Job Satisfaction, Intrinsic Motivation, Extrinsic Motivation, Teacher Attraction, Teacher Retention

Abstract

Abstract

This paper examined the issue of declining teacher job satisfaction and its role in the growing national teacher shortage. The purpose was to identify the leading factors that positively influenced teacher job satisfaction and to explore how these elements supported retention, enhanced school performance, and improved student learning. This literature review combined 15 peer-reviewed studies from the past 17 years that included diverse international contexts with participants who varied by age, experience, and culture. The sources employed qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and secondary data analyses to study intrinsic and extrinsic motivators on teacher satisfaction, burnout, and attrition. The findings indicated that intrinsic motivators–such as the desire to impact students, self-efficacy, and meaningful work–drove satisfaction and the intent to stay in the profession. The absence of extrinsic motivators like supportive leadership, manageable workloads, and adequate compensation often led to dissatisfaction and poor retention. These findings underscored the need to address intrinsic and extrinsic factors to strengthen job satisfaction, improve teacher retention, and support a more stable and effective teaching workforce, ultimately benefiting student learning outcomes.

Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Intrinsic Motivation, Extrinsic Motivation

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