Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine (1) perceptions of itinerant teachers of the visually impaired in relation to job-related satisfiers and dissatisfiers, and (2) important changes that would make the job better. Methodology. A questionnaire was sent to 127 teachers of the visually-impaired employed at least 50 percent in the itinerant role in the state of California. Responses produced ninety-eight usable questionnaires. Job factors were formed from concepts drawn from Frederick Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory. Statistical analysis used: (1) ANOVA, (2) Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation, and (3) Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis. Finding and conclusions. The most consistently provided Job Satisfier was Achievement and least provided was Possibility of Growth. No significant difference was found in job satisfaction in relation to: (1) percentage of time as an itinerant teacher, (2) number of students on caseload, (3) miles traveled per day, or (4) sites visited per day. Job satisfaction was predicted best (r =.651) by Achievement, a motivator. Interpersonal Relations and Company Policy and Administration, two of the hygiene factors, were much weaker predictors. Other findings called for more staff development opportunities, better space for working with students, better communication with administrators and other personnel, more equipment and materials, and a supervisor more knowledgeable in the field. Additionally, school-related duties, large classrooms of students, book ordering, and enlarging and brailling for visually impaired students were things the itinerant teachers were glad they did not have to deal with. Other comments indicated too many students on caseload, lack of time, budget cuts, and lack of recognition. Overall, teachers reported consistently high satisfaction with their work in itinerant services for the visually impaired. Recommendations for further research included: separating responses into rural and urban areas, comparing first-year itinerant teachers with those with five or more years in the itinerant role, and comparison with other special education teaching assignments. Because the findings were only partly consistent with Herzberg's model, a study using interviews, rather than a questionnaire, is suggested to obtain in-depth information from dissatisfied itinerant teachers of the visually impaired.