The mediating role of lifelong learning perception in the relationship between distance education and job satisfaction

Abstract

In today's rapidly changing educational environment, teachers' lifelong learning tendencies, attitudes towards distance education, and job satisfaction are critical for the sustainability of educational quality. We examined the relationship between lifelong learning, attitudes towards distance education, and job satisfaction. We analyzed the data collected from 488 teachers through partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings show a statistically significant positive relationship between the perception of lifelong learning and job satisfaction. Additionally, we found a standardized indirect effect between distance education, lifelong learning perception, and job satisfaction. A standardized indirect effect was also found between distance education, lifelong learning perception, and job satisfaction. The findings provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing teaching practices and learning strategies in an evolving educational environment, as well as theoretical and practical contributions to the design of policies and programs that foster teachers' lifelong learning dispositions and professional satisfaction. © 2026 The Authors.