The relationship between wellbeing and job satisfaction of instructors in English Programs

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between the wellbeing and job satisfaction of English instructors working at language preparatory programs offered by Turkish universities. The study also attempted to explore if any difference between these two variables existed in relation to the teachers’ characteristics, i.e. years of experience, the proficiency level taught and educational degree. Finally, the reflections of the participants about the influential factors on their wellbeing and job satisfaction were further explored in this study. The quantitative data were obtained from 168 participants though teacher wellbeing survey and teacher job satisfaction survey, whereas the qualitative data came from semi-structured interviews carried out with 10 volunteers. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant, positive and moderate relationship between the participants’ job satisfaction and their wellbeing. Besides, no difference was found between the participants’ wellbeing and their teacher characteristics. Similarly, there was no difference between teachers’ predefined characteristics and their job satisfaction. As for the results of the qualitative data, personal, organizational, student-related and pandemic-related factors were found to be influential on the wellbeing and job satisfaction of the participants. The obtained findings provide pedagogical implications and suggestions for further research in language education and teacher development.