Exploring factors associated with teacher attrition and retention in primary schools of Mulanje district: a case of limbuli zone.

Abstract

Rural schools are faced with challenges in retaining teachers. This could affect provision of quality education amongst rural masses where many of the schools are located. Domains related to teacher’s work in schools such as teacher personal factors, within community activities, within school activities and classroom activities were investigated. A case study targeting 130 purposefully sampled qualified teachers was employed. Survey items were related to domains that influenced a decision to accept employment, existing working conditions and their impact on a decision to leave current schools. The tool included a demographic section to collect background information of participating teachers and extent to which factors within the identified domains could affect their job decisions In the study, teachers accepted employment mainly for reasons that are altruistic-intrinsic in nature and that within school activities and within community activities are domains in which teachers feel challenged. Lack of frequent provision of opportunities for continued professional development and safety of the environment were among factors that could influence a decision to leave a school. Strategies such as provision of continued professional development, improving relations with the parents and provision of various incentives could encourage teacher retention within schools.