This study consisted of the development of the Teacher Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (TJSQ), designed to assess teacher job satisfaction in elementary and secondary schools. A thorough review was conducted of concepts, theories, and approaches related to job satisfaction in order to develop a clear definition of job satisfaction. A list of different factors which might account for teacher job satisfaction was compiled after a systematic review of the literature. These factors were given operational definitions and an item pool was created. Statistical procedures were followed to develop a representative sample of items, and tests of reliability and validity were performed. A pilot study was conducted to improve the instrument before the final study. Item analyses and tests for item discrimination were performed to eliminate undesirable items. The questionnaire sought to identify the reasons people choose teaching as a career, the characteristics of teaching and reasons people leave teaching. The TJSQ was submitted to randomly selected teachers at all levels (in New York City, and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties) and 620 returns were received. Resulting data is discussed and areas of general dissatisfaction are identified. Suggestions are made for administrators on evaluating staff attitudes and improving teaching conditions. (JD)