Mentors, Self-efficacy, or Professional Development: Which Mediate Job Satisfaction for New Teachers? A Regression Examination

Year 2019, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 21 - 34, 29.04.2019

Rachel Renbarger Brenda Davis

Abstract

Research has shown that new teachers have struggles in the classroom, leading to high attrition rates for this population. Factors such as job satisfaction, self-efficacy, and mentorship programs have all been found to impact teacher attrition. This study aims to examine the relationship between these variables along with another common issue teachers face: barriers to professional development (i.e., cost, time). This study utilized the Teaching and Learning International Survey of beginning teachers in the United States. Using multiple regression, results indicated there was a positive relationship between job satisfaction and self-efficacy and the presence of a mentor. There was a negative relationship between barriers to professional development and job satisfaction. Limitations, implications, and areas for future research are discussed.

Keywords

Job satisfaction, professional development, mentorship

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