Attitudes of elementary, middle and high school teachers toward mainstreaming: implications for job satisfaction

Little attention has been paid to the job satisfaction experienced by human services personnel, including classroom teachers. This study examines teacher's response to postal questionnaires seeking information about job satisfaction and attitudes to the mainstreaming of children with special needs. Results suggest that teachers at secondary or high school level experience lower job satisfaction than those working in middle or elementary schools. Comparison between teachers with or without experiences of mainstreaming reveals further differences between these groups with regard to their attitude toward the value of special educator involvement in the classroom; the importance of special assessments; discipline; the role of mainstreaming in enhancing peer relationships; and appreciation of school administrators' awareness of the implications of mainstreaming.