Teacher morale in A.C.T. primary schools

Abstract

This study investigates morale as perceived by primary school teachers. A survey was administered to level 1 teachers in A.C.T. government schools. Of the 280 surveys distributed 165 returns were able to be processed, a 59% response rate.
Teacher morale has an effect on the quality of teaching and hence student outcomes and is currently an important aspect of the education debate. Teacher stress, a product of low morale, has been of concern to teacher unions and to education departments across Australia.
Morale, for the purpose of this study, is defined as a confident and forward looking state of mind relevant to a shared and vital purpose.
The survey used in this study was a modified version of Smith's Staff Morale Questionnaire. This instrument identifies three factors of morale : "Cohesive Pride", "Leadership Synergy", "Personal Challenge". Responses relating to these factors were analysed with respect to age, gender, years of experience, school in which the teacher is employed and type of teaching duties.
Results indicated that school attended has an influence on the level of "leadership synergy" and gender has an influence on the level of "personal challenge".
This research may have implications for school leadership and professional development programs and policy.

Date of Award	1993
Original language	English
Supervisor	Diana Kendall (Supervisor)