Teachers’ welfare and retention in selected secondary schools

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of teachers’ welfare on retention in selected secondaryschools in Luwero district. Thespecific objectivesfocused on; examining the quality of welfare programmes of secondary school teachers in Luwero District, assessing the level of retention of secondary school teachers in Luwero District andidentifying the possible ways to enhance teachers’ retention in secondary schools in Luwero District.The study used cross-sectional survey research design involvingboth quantitative and qualitative research approaches.The study was guided by three theories based on Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Frederick Herzberg’s two-factor theory or motivation-hygiene theory and Adams Smith’s equity.The study involved 10 secondary schools in Luwero District with a sample size of 169. The findingsestablishedthe quality of welfare programs is still a big challenge in secondary schools as the results revealed that much as many teachers were satisfied, others were dissatisfied since not all teachers benefit equally.Moreover, the level of retention of secondary school teachers was high since there is high level of commitment of teachers on their job.The possible ways to enhance teachers’ retention in secondary schools were to improve on the teaching environment in schools, give teachers an opportunity to go for further studies, salary and allowances in time, provide accommodation and health insurance with their families. In conclusion, there was a significant positive association between teachers’ welfare and retention. Teachers’ welfare in terms of housing, salaries, bonuses, medical care greatly improve retention in secondary schools.School management should work on the challenges affecting teachers’ retention through school projects, social welfare, effective orientation and mentorship.