Determinants of job satisfaction among teachers in public primary schools in Turkana west sub county, Turkana county.

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the determinants of job satisfaction levels among primary school teachers in Turkana West Sub County, Turkana County. Specifically the study determined; the level of job satisfaction among teachers, the school, the environmental factors affecting job satisfaction among teachers. The study also established the biographic characteristics of teachers that influenced job satisfaction levels and the job satisfaction measures that could be used to improve the levels of job satisfaction among the teachers. The biographic characteristics, school factors and environmental factors were the independent variables while job satisfaction was the dependent variable. The study employed descriptive survey. Both qualitative and quantitative information was collected. The target population was all the primary school teachers, head teachers and education officers in Turkana West Sub County. The researcher used simple random, purposive and stratified sampling techniques for sample selection. The sample was composed of 18 primary schools, 18 head teachers, 100 teachers and 2 education officers. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Validity of the instruments was determined using correlation analysis and testing predictive ability as well as review by supervisor while reliability was tested using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The questionnaire had Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. Data was collected during arranged visits with head teachers and education officers. Qualitative data was analysed thematically as per objectives. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the rating of the factors. Inferential statistics: independent sample t-tests and One Way Analysis of Variance were used to test effect of biographic characteristics on job satisfaction. The Pearson correlation was used to test the effect of school and environmental factors on job satisfaction. The results showed that teachers had low job satisfaction levels. Age, education level, teaching experience, school location and original home had significant effects on level of job satisfaction. The school factors; administrative support, teacher autonomy, and students behaviour were all found to have positive correlation with job satisfaction. Environmental factors parental support, learner support, and teacher security and housing also were positively correlated with job satisfaction. The job satisfaction enhancement measures most valued by teachers were: : promotions and remuneration for extra duties done, automatic promotion to higher grades, provision of better housing within the school compound and improvement of respect and appreciation from parents and the community in general. The researcher recommends that the government should strive to provide security and housing for teachers, create awareness to the communities on the importance of good relationships with teachers, as well as the importance of community support. The Teachers Service Commission should consider teacher biographic characteristics when posting teachers.