Satisfaction With Tangible And Intangible Rewards Among Elementary School Teachers

This thesis examines educator’s work satisfaction with an emphasis on tangible and intangible outcomes in the teaching profession. A common perception is that total compensation is a main reason, if not the reason, educators leave the profession. This study aimed to investigate educator pay and other outcomes that may have an impact on teachers’ decision to stay or leave the profession. Interviews of elementary school teachers in western North Carolina were conducted to determine areas of the workplace that bring educators joy and areas that are challenging. An overwhelming majority of the educators expressed that their joy came from the relationships they had with their students and watching students grow throughout the school year. The lack of planning time, respect, TA, and parental support were challenges that occurred frequently in the workplace resulting in increased mental stress. Although the common perception of teachers’ dissatisfaction with total compensation was evident in the interviews, it was not among the main discussion points among the educators. These results indicate that changes in policy and time management within the workplace need to address as well as the lack of respect educators experience.