Exploring teacher job satisfaction in five Latin American countries: A Multi-level analysis using TALIS 2018

• Teacher cooperation positively impacts job satisfaction across all countries analyzed. • Workload stress is a major challenge for teacher well-being. • Engaging educational stakeholders can boost teacher job satisfaction. This study investigates teacher job satisfaction in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, using data from the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey. Through multi-level analysis, it examines individual and organizational factors influencing job satisfaction. Findings indicate that teacher cooperation and self-efficacy enhance job satisfaction, while workplace stress detracts from it. Positive teacher-student relationships and stakeholder involvement are identified as essential organizational factors. These results underscore the importance of supportive environments and collaborative practices in improving teacher well-being and retention. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, offering insights to boost job satisfaction and educational quality across diverse educational settings.