The study of teacher morale in secondary schools

Abstract

It is often argued by the teachers' organisations that salary levels and alterations in working conditions are the dominant factors in any change in the morale of teachers in our schools today However, previous research on 'morale states’, both in schools and other organisations, has indicated the existence of a wide range of factors which affect morale. The research which follows will show the existence of a web of 'social’ relationships which influence teacher morale. Basically, the study focusses on analyses of the views of ten 'mid-career’ teachers from secondary schools in a North of England education authority. Most of these are seen to be peculiar to the schools in which they work, being based on the characteristic structures, processes and organisational problems that they meet there. Often they are to do with 'critical incidents' involving senior personnel. However, it will be indicated that there are variables which are affecting the individual morale of these teachers which are subject to an increasing number of external constraints and issues* These are of a 'political' and/or 'economic' nature and many are linked to central government initiatives and policies on education.