TEACHER SATISFACTION IN RELIGIOUSLY AFFILIATED SCHOOLS: INSIGHTS FROM THE U.S. CATHOLIC EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Despite financial disincentives and disenchantment during a time of crisis, many teachers continue to choose U.S. Catholic schools as a workplace. This paper examines the dynamics of recruitment and retention by presenting findings from national studies of teacher satisfaction. It then provides insights into the particular challenges faced by a subset of Catholic schools on the primary level in ineer-city areas that serve children in poverty. Lastly, it offers ways in which any religiously affiliated school can reconsider the status and role of the teacher.