This research is aimed at measuring the satisfaction levels of the paraprofessionals with students with disability based on the individual backgrounds. The subjects of this study were selected a total of 133 special education teacher's aides currently...
This research is aimed at measuring the satisfaction levels of the paraprofessionals with students with disability based on the individual backgrounds. The subjects of this study were selected a total of 133 special education teacher's aides currently working in Gangwon-do, 35 from special schools and 98 from special education classes. They were asked 5 questions regarding their backgrounds(sex, marital status, ages, educational backgrounds, certification) and 7 questions regarding their jobs (job itself, working conditions, interpersonal relationships, social recognitions, salary, re-education system, supervision) in order to assess the levels of their job satisfaction. The processing of data were adapted to F-test, t-test, utilizing five point Likert scale system.
The results of this research are as follows.
First, the overall levels of job satisfaction of the aides were more than average. The area of the job itself was higher than that of other areas, which was followed by interpersonal relationships, working conditions, supervision, re-education system, salary, and social recognitions. The study showed that while the participants were satisfied with their job itself and the interpersonal relationships, they were not satisfied with salary and social recognitions. It was because the special education teacher's aides had a willingness of service and responsibility toward the students with special needs.
Second, it was found that the levels of job satisfaction differed according to the individual backgrounds of the participants. (i.e, sex, martial status, age, years of educational experience, and certifications.) Firstly, it is concluded that females are more satisfied with their job than males. Secondly, the married aides are found to have higher levels of job satisfaction than unmarried aides. Thirdly, the aides in the forty's had the highest levels of job satisfaction, and then comes 20's, and 30's in order. Fourthly, the teacher's aides with high school background demonstrated higher level of job satisfaction compare to the aides with junior college, college, and graduate school background. It was also found that the aides who had the certifications in the field of education were less satisfied with their jobs than those who did not have them.
On the basis of findings of this study, it is suggested that more participants are needed to generalize the results for the future research.