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The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher perceptions of their empowerment. The Psychological Empowerment Instrument was used to survey the sample. Research supported the notion that teacher empowerment could be influenced by organizational structure, relationships, communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, motivation, job satisfaction, and transformational leadership. One research question guided the study. From this question, 12 null hypotheses were generated. Means were compared for the 4 dimensions of the PEI (Meaning, Competence, Impact and Self- Determination). The grouping variables were years of experience, gender, and level of education. The results of ANOVA and Independent Samples t tests were that there were significant differences in the 4 dimensions with teacher years of experience but not with gender or level of education. Findings suggested that seasoned teachers often showed a higher level of empowerment than beginning teachers. The findings also suggested that gender and level of education did little to influence teacher empowerment in their schools.

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Dr. Gardenhour serves as Supervisor of Special Education and Curriculum and Instruction in Elizabethton City Schools. He has studied at Milligan College, Lincoln Memorial University and holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University.

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