Job satisfaction and retention of teachers in private secondary schools in Wakiso District.

Abstract

Questionnaires and an interview guide were the major instruments for data collection from teachers and Headteachers respectively. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Excel pivot tables and pivot charts were also used to calculate teacher average years and average salaries in their respective schools. The study established that teacher involvement in school activities and commitment to their schedule of duties was minimal. Induction was rarely done to orientate new teachers in the school system. Supervision of teachers was done but was not necessarily benefiting the teachers. This was statistically related to job satisfaction and teacher retention in schools. The study further established that financial rewards for teachers were low with the school administrators not paying promptly the little they reward their teachers. This was also significantly related to teacher retention in schools. The study concluded that job satisfaction in Wakiso Private Secondary Schools was low and this made teacher turnover high. Teachers were not adequately involved in school administration. Supervision of teachers was well executed only to the interests of the school administration, thereby neglecting the career development interests of teachers in most schools. The financial rewards in Wakiso district private schools were not adequate for teachers to be committed to teaching in those schools and that made them hate their teaching profession. This is because they get little money and worst of all, it is not paid promptly. The study recommended that teacher involvement in school activities be central to the recruitment process and should be continuous in schools. Also, teachers should be given appointment letters stating all the conditions of work. A facilitative supervision of teachers should be emphasized, ensuring timely feedback to enlist teacher commitment is done. The Ministry of Education and Sports through the Ministry of Public Service and that of Labour and Gender should come up with a minimum wage paid promptly and financial rewards, which are commensurate with work done, should be introduced in private schools.