Causes of teacher turnover in Catholic Church managed secondary schools in Meru diocese, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of teacher turnover in catholic managed secondary schools in Meru diocese. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed descriptive research design. Using cluster sampling and simple random sampling techniques a sample of 192 teachers who were currently working at the catholic managed schools,162 teachers who had previously working in these schools and 16 headteachers from the 17 secondary schools within the diocese were selected. Data were gathered by use of questionnaires for teachers and interview guide for the headteachers. Findings revealed that recruitment and selection of teachers was a factor contributing to teacher turn over. It was also found out that lack of motivation encouraged teacher turn over. The study also revealed that unfavorable working environment encouraged teacher turn over. Lastly it was found out that lack of job satisfaction encouraged teacher turn over. Based on the findings it was concluded that selection and recruitment of teachers, motivation, working environment and job satisfaction were important factors in teacher turn over. In the light of the research findings it was recommended that there is need to put in place better means of selection and recruitment of teachers such as adhering to qualifications to minimise cases of turn over among teachers. It was also recommended that there is need to have ways of motivating teachers such as better pay, favourable working conditions and incentives so that they can be retained in the schools for a longer time. The study also recommended that there is need for schools to be provided with necessary materials. Taking the limitations and delimitations of the study, it was suggested that a study on effects of teacher turn over on students' performance should be conducted. There is need to carry out a study to establish whether there are significant differences in the levels of motivation among teachers in public and private schools. Lastly a study on role of inservice of teachers in increasing job satisfaction should be conducted.