Investigation of the correlation between levels of teacher satisfaction and number of absences

This study was conducted to examine the interrelationship between teacher absence rates and teacher workplace satisfaction. Both were assessed by reflective self-report provided by classroom teachers. Ten specific variables associated with teachers' workplace satisfaction were identified in a pilot study as the Essential Qualities for Workplace Satisfaction. These factors were assessed as a group within the study's original survey instrument. The survey was also used to inquire about Workplace Satisfaction, Rate of Absence, Willingness to Work beyond Contracted Hours, and Monetary Compensation for Attendance. The survey was distributed to nearly 150 teachers in an Arizona public school district. Seven schools were represented. The factors associated with teacher satisfaction were assessed for statistical correlation with absence rates.;Using the outcomes of Pearson's Product-Moment Correlational Analyses, three of the four variables tested indicated correlation with Teachers' Workplace Satisfaction. Specifically, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between teachers' workplace satisfaction and their absenteeism (r = -0.26, p = 0.001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between teachers' workplace satisfaction and their willingness to work beyond contractual hours (r = 0.32, p = 0.001). As a group, the ten factors considered Essential Qualities for Workplace Satisfaction also had a statistically significant positive correlation with teacher workplace satisfaction (r = 0.42, p = 0.001). However, there was no correlation between teachers' workplace satisfaction and monetary compensation (r = 0.06, p = 0.49). Each of these findings was identified as having pertinent implications for future practice and study.;Recommendations for future studies and implications for educational practice were proposed for teachers, sites, and districts. This pertinent study should be replicated at elementary, middle, and high school levels in districts throughout the nation. The findings of further study should be used to inform educational leaders regarding ways to better address workplace satisfaction and positively impact the nation's high teacher absenteeism rates. Policy changes based on these findings can be implemented to help minimize the deleterious effects of teacher absences in America's schools.