By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher based on 1001 responses shows that teacher job satisfaction is at its lowest in two decades, probably because of cuts in education budgets. Forty-four per cent are “very satisfied” down from 59% in 2009, and 43% are pessimistic about increased student achievement.

Twenty-nine percent said they are likely to leave the profession within the next five years, up from 17% in 2009. In 2006, 8% of teachers said they did not feel their jobs were secure, today 34% feel a lack of job security.

The article in Education Week by Liana Heitin mentions the correlation between job satisfaction and factors such as layoffs, program reductions and increased class size. Thirty-five percent surveyed believed their salary is not fair, yet 77% indicated they are treated as professionals in their communities.

As expected, where teachers are satisfied, there is increased parent engagement, and where teachers are less satisfied, parent participation is lower.

Read the full survey here: MetLife.com.