Job Satisfaction of School Psychologists in a Primarily Rural State

Abstract

Job satisfaction of school psychologists practicing in West Virginia (n = 106) was studied using a modified version of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. More than 35% of the responding practitioners were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their jobs, while nearly 65% reported general satisfaction. Major sources of satisfaction included social service provision, co-workers, and activity. Major sources of dissatisfaction were school system policies and practices, advancement opportunities, working conditions, salary, and supervision. Salary and supervision were significant predictors of overall job satisfaction. Job satisfaction increased as: (a) salary increased, and (b) the supervisor's level of training reached or exceeded the level of the practitioner and the area of training more closely approached that of a school psychologist.