Job Satisfaction and Occupational Stress among Primary School Teachers and School Principals in Ireland

Abstract

Internationally, a considerable amount of literature has emerged on the factors influencing job satisfaction and occupational stress among school teachers. However, there is a paucity of recent, comprehensive empirical research in this area in the context of Irish primary schools. In view of ongoing changes in schools and curricula as well as the working conditions of teachers, identifying factors influencing job satisfaction and occupational stress is timely as the ability to cope with change has become increasingly important for teachers and principals. Teacher job satisfaction and stress can have both economic and personal implications as it can lead to stress-related employee absenteeism, burnout and a negative impact on pupil outcomes (Kyriacou, 1987). The findings of this study indicate that an overall majority of Irish primary school teachers (98%) and principals (93%) were happy in their job, though some experienced occupational stress (45% of teachers and 70% of principals). Job satisfaction and occupational stress were associated with a number of background and school-level factors.