Morale Levels of First-year Agricultural Education Teachers in Ohio

Morale can be defined as the professional interest and enthusiasm a person displays towards the achievement of individual and group goals in a given job situation (Bentley & Rempel, 1980). Morale is set within the framework of organizational theory with an individual progressing toward the achievement of organizational tasks and his or her perceived job satisfaction within the total organization. Morale is a continuous variable that measures an individual’s perception of task achievement and job satisfaction. High morale can be characterized by interest and enthusiasm for the job. While low morale is characterized by feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration. Teacher morale can be viewed as teachers striving to achieve their individual goals and the educational goals of the school system and their perceptions of satisfaction that stem from the total school environment.