FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROFESSIONAL SATISFACTION OF GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THE DENUWARA EDUCATION ZONE IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

This research was conducted using a survey method with the primary objective of uncovering the factors that affect the professional satisfaction of a teacher. Seven hundred teachers from 1AB and 1C schools belonging to the Denuwara Zonal Office in the Central Province of Sri Lanka were randomly selected to collect data through questionnaire. Maslow's theory of interests was used as the theoretical basis. According to the data obtained from the questionnaires, the teacher-student relationship was the leading factor affecting the professional satisfaction of teachers; salary was presented as the second, while the leadership given by the principal was the third most important factor. It was clear from teacher feedback that internal and external supervision was not an important factor in professional satisfaction. Factors such as congestion in the classroom, shortage of teachers, available physical and human resources as well as other facilities, curriculum, parental support and community relations were revealed as unsatisfactory factors. It was also found that there is a significant difference in the analysis depending on the type of teacher response degree. Thus, it can be concluded that the teacher-student relationship and salary factors have a positive effect on the professional satisfaction of graduate teachers. Recommendations have been made to bring school alumni to school regularly and to increase teachers' salaries.