The Relationship Between Teachers' Professional Values and Job Satisfaction

This study examined the relationship between the professional values and job satisfaction of primary and middle school teachers working in a metropolitan city in Western Turkey.. The study was designed as a quantitative correlational survey, and data were collected from 362 teachers through the Professional Values Scale and the Job Satisfaction Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used. The findings showed that teachers' professional values were high, whereas their job satisfaction was at a moderate level. The strongest professional values were observed in the dimensions of student approach and teaching-learning environment. In job satisfaction, achievement-respect-recognition and the nature of teaching itself displayed more positive patterns, while salary emerged as a low-satisfaction area and parent-student indifference appeared as a relatively limited source of satisfaction. A positive and significant relationship was found between professional values and job satisfaction, and professional values significantly predicted job satisfaction. At the sub-dimension level, professional responsibility-commitment and professional ethics significantly explained job satisfaction. The results suggest that practices supporting teachers' professional values and strengthening school climate may contribute to higher job satisfaction.