Teacher transfer and teacher satisfaction in public schools

Abstract

This project analyzed the dynamics of intra-district transfer and the consequences such transfers have on members of the organization. Intra-district transfers are transfers within a single school district from one teaching assignment to another. The purpose of this project was to describe the current practices regarding intra-district teacher transfer, identify the various types of transfer, and determine the influence intra-district transfer had on teacher satisfaction.

This project has broad importance for organizational leaders in a variety of settings. Despite the educational backdrop, placement of members in any organization will find this project a valuable lens through which to view the practices of transfer. The project offers recommendations to leaders of organizations in terms of practice and policies. The benefits for supervisors and employees are greater, as transfers can be facilitated in a way that empowers employees through participation in the process and can help chart the rough waters supervisors must navigate when faced with making decisions about transfers.

The findings presented here outline the overlapping positive and negative influences on perceived satisfaction that different transfer factors have for teachers. Specifically, teacher satisfaction increased for those who voluntarily transferred. Conversely, changing content areas or being involuntarily transferred or re-assigned influenced satisfaction negatively. An additional finding indicated that some organizational characteristics, like "rapidly growing" large schools had a greater incidence of internal transfers. Furthermore, products are presented for district, building, and human resources leaders, as well as state policy makers that can help educate and develop solutions to support successful intra-district transfers, by minimizing the negative influences, and strategic planning to enhance the positive influences.