Academic Optimism, Occupational Goal Orientation, and Job Satisfaction among Teachers

Academic Optimism, Occupational Goal Orientation, and Job Satisfaction among Teachers R. Badri Gargari, Ph.D. M. Beyraami, Ph.D. S. Gholaami Job satisfaction is a function of many socio-cognitive factors among which are those measured in this study. A sample of 274 teachers randomly selected from among all elementary school teachers in Tabriz was given three questionnaires measuring these three constructs. Data analyses revealed a significant positive relation between job satisfaction and academic optimism which along with goal orientation explain a significant portion of the variance in the former. Academic emphasis and confidence affect satisfaction directly, while self-efficacy does so indirectly and through goal orientation. Considering these relationships, both parents and administrators can take steps toward improving teachers' working conditions. Key words: academic optimism, job satisfaction, occupational goal orientation, teachers