This article examines if and how characteristics of appraisal systems used for secondary school teachers affect job satisfaction. Using multilevel analyses on data of 3 473 teachers in Flanders (Belgium), we found that appraisals with a developmental purpose and appraisals perceived as being a fair judgement, both have a positive impact on job satisfaction. Also clarity of appraisals and appraisals perceived as a judgement of quality add to a specific view of job satisfaction. These findings provide significant implications for educational policy at diverse levels, aimed at designing and implementing more effective appraisal systems, which affect teachers in their careers.