INFLUENCE OF MANAGEMENT OF TEACHERS’ WORKLOAD ON RETENTION OF TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MANDERA EAST SUB-COUNTY, MANDERA COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Management of teacher’s workload is crucial in ensuring that teachers perform their tasks effectively without any desire to seek transfers or leave teaching profession in toto. However, in Mandera East Sub- County, the retention of teachers has been an issue with many seeking to leave the teaching profession.
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of teacher workload management on teacher retention in public secondary schools located in Mandera East Sub- County, within Mandera County, Kenya.
Methodology: This study adopted a mixed methodology and applied concurrent triangulation research design. Target population was 132 respondents which comprised 8 principals, 123 teachers and the TSC Sub- County Director of Education from which a sample of 101 respondents was determined using Yamane’s Formula. Stratified sampling was used in the study. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and quantitative data descriptively and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and SPSS Version 23 was used.
Findings: The study revealed that the number of teachers who leave public secondary schools in Mandera East Sub- County has continued to increase from 2018 to 2022. This is attributed to too much workload which teachers have to handle at school.
Conclusion: The study shows that teacher retention in public secondary schools in Mandera East Sub-County is a significant concern. The number of teachers transferring out of these schools has been on rise. It was found there is a significant correlation between heavy workload and teacher retention, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.820 at a p-value of 0.046. Additionally, 67.5% of the teachers strongly agreed that excessive lessons and administrative tasks are primary reasons for leaving their positions. The issue of teacher workload stands out as a critical area requiring intervention to improve teacher retention rates and, consequently, educational quality in Mandera East Sub-County.
Recommendations: The Ministry of Education should continue recruiting teachers to reduce the heavy workload occasioned by teacher shortage. Principals should partner with other stakeholders to support teachers through incentives besides salary raise as a strategy of keeping them in public secondary schools. Schools should conduct regular evaluations of teacher workloads to ensure they align with recommended guidelines. There is the need to offer training sessions on time management and stress management to help teachers better cope with high workloads. Educational authorities should review and update policies related to teacher workloads to ensure they are conducive to teacher retention. Establish clear channels for teachers to communicate their concerns related to workloads without fear of repercussions.
Keywords: Management of teachers’ workload, retention of teachers, public secondary schools.
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