Work satisfaction and teaching style with romanian teachers

• Author: E. Cocorada/M. Pavalache-Ilie/M. R. Luca/A.-M. Cazan/C. Truta
• Position: Department of Psychology, Education and Teachers Training, Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania
• Pages: 17-30

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

Series VII: Social Sciences • Law • Vol. 8 (57) No. 2 - 2015

WORK SATISFACTION AND TEACHING

STYLE WITH ROMANIAN TEACHERS

E. COCORADA1 M. PAVALACHE-ILIE1

M. R. LUCA1 A.-M. CAZAN1

C. TRUŢĂ1

Abstract: The study has investigated 191 Romanian teachers, pertaining to

all educational levels. Nearly a third of the participants present a low level of

job satisfaction, the most satisfied being the ones who work in kindergartens.

Total satisfaction is higher for the teachers who hold the first degree and in

the case of beginner, except for the satisfaction generated by the

‘relationship with students’ which is higher in the case of first degree

holders. These teachers use the methodical teaching styles, displaying a high-

level of socio-affectivity, behaviour which converges with the pattern of

professional development.

Key words: job satisfaction, teaching style, teaching career stages.

1 Department of Psychology, Education and Teachers Training, Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania.

1. Introduction

In the postmodern age the teaching

profession is characterised by the

isolation of the professional act,

conservative individualism, the

balkanisation of groups competing for

power, reduced trust and support

between teachers and their colleagues

[12], [16], [25]. This predominantly

negative image is promoted despite the

fact that the need of education is

constantly growing and its importance is

repeatedly highlighted [9]. In Romania,

the detrimental image of the professions

in the educational system has increased

in recent years, the ineffectiveness of

most of the reforms introduced in the

90’s being stated more and more

frequently as a main reason.

Five percent of the Romanian emigrants

are professors and the effects of this

phenomenon are the migration of young

towards the external education and the

decrease of consideration for the national

education [13]. The decrease of the

vacancy rate by the activity of the

national economy ranged from 1.43% in

2008 to 0.17% in 2010 [3]. However, it

does not express open interest towards

this sector of economy, free will or real

desire towards the teaching profession but

rather a last resort option for the qualified

personnel who have been fired from other

professions. In spite of this negative

background the press present case studies

of some passionate teachers who obtain

excellent results with their students and

carry on working in schools, but the

scientific basis for these claims remains

unclear.