Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the factors that most influenced elementary teacher morale. It examined the relationship between individuals and school morale and looked at factors that most influenced elementary teacher morale. Is there a relationship between the 11 set morale factors and personal morale? Is there a correlation between personal morale and perceived school morale? Is there a difference in personal morale based on years of experience? Is there a difference in morale between Title I and non-Title I schools? Is there a relationship between school morale and central office, the school board, and the school principal? Based on the findings, this study determined that colleagues, central office, class size, and test mandates are significant predictors of personal morale. The more importance that is placed on these factors, the more morale will decline. However, colleagues are seen as having a positive effect on morale. The more importance that one placed on colleagues, the happier they felt. In addition, personal morale and perceived school morale do have a direct correlation and one has a direct effect on the other. When perceived school morale was low, participants often reported low morale as well. However, the higher the perceived school morale, the higher the educators personal morale score. This study concluded that there was no difference between years of experience and teacher morale. Educators often feel just as happy at the beginning of their career as they do at the end. Additionally, there is also no difference between Title I schools and non-Title I schools in how they perceive morale. Finally, there is a significant relationship between school morale and central office and the school principal. However, the school board was not significant in predicting school morale. The research showed that the closer administration is to the actual school, the more teachers morale is impacted in a negative or positive way.

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