Teacher Satisfaction And Grade 4 Reading Literacy Achievement: An Austrian Perspective Using International Large-Scale Assessment Data

Abstract

The complexity of the teaching environment requires now more than ever a satisfied and fulfilled teacher population. This study uses the Austrian Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 data to uncover those factors specifically associated with the school environment when controlling for school socio economic status as predictors of teacher dissatisfaction. Results show that the current model explains 22% of the variance, yet school emphasis on academic success, teaching being limited by a number of lacking elements and school safety were found to be of no statistical significance. The study provides two important points to consider, namely the role of short cycle teachers in producing reading literacy scores well above those of their degreed counterparts, and the significant role of socio-economic status and its effect on achievement. The study concludes that a systems perspective that considers the shared beliefs and values, relationships and social interactions, leadership, and physical environment may shed more light on the underlying dynamics that can be associated with those less than satisfied teachers.