A study of the diminishing prestige of the teaching profession in Kenya a case study of Nairobi province.

Abstract

This study was a survey of the diminishing prestige of the teaching profession in Kenya - A case study of Nairobi province The objectives of this study were to; (a) Investigate the prevalent and the required teaching qualifications amongst the practicing members; (b) Examine the level of choice teaching as a first choice career amongst the members of the profession, (c) Determine the level of job satisfaction amongst the members, and (d) Coalate the members' views on the prestige status of teaching as a profession in Kenya. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire and observation. The population in consisted of 1 province, 6 schools and 120 teachers. The study found that majority of the teachers get into teaching as an alternative to presently unattainable careers. There was also an observed high level of job dissatisfaction and many members engaged in other income - generating activities outside classroom teaching. Majority of the teachers did net also consider teaching as a prestigious profession and opted for other professions like doctors, for their children. Various recommendations were suggested by the study. This included the need to look into ways of improving terms of service for teachers, like improved remuneration. It was also suggested that the values and nobility of the teaching profession should be inculcated into the youth of school going age, to improve their altitudes towards teaching.