Job sharing : attitudes among elementary school teachers

The purpose of this study was to assess existing attitudes of elementary classroom teachers concerning the concept of job sharing as it applies to the field of education. School systems within the East Tennessee Development District were chosen due to its proximity and accessibility of data. One hundred eighty-six schools were identified as elementary level utilizing self-contained classrooms. From these schools, nineteen were selected at random for data collection purposes.

The primary method of data collection was a questionnaire assessing present job satisfaction, future aspirations, and general attitudes toward job sharing in education. A list of the two hundred seventy-one faculty members to be surveyed was obtained. Each teacher was then mailed a questionnaire and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. No marks of identification were used, thereby insuring total anonymity.

The major findings of the research were that elementary school teachers surveyed tend to view job sharing favorably, believe that it may be functional for elementary school educators, and that 83 percent of the teachers surveyed indicated a desire to participate in, or be given the option to participate in, job sharing at present or in the future.

Data included age, sex, and educational level of those surveyed. The major purpose for job sharing expressed by respondents was to aid in family commitments, with educational improvement next, followed by desire for increased leisure time. More than three-fourths of those responding believe part-time teachers to perform as well or better than full-time instructors. Although fewer than one-fourth of the respondents expressed a desire to participate in job sharing at the present time, another one-third expressed a desire to do so in the future.

Implications from these findings are far reaching. As the life style of Americans continues to change, interest in job sharing as an alternative to full-time employment will likely continue to increase. School boards and administrators will need useful data in assessing need, desirability, and feasibility of job sharing programs. It is with this aspect in mind that this thesis was prepared.