Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction among Public Primary School Teachers in Tanzania: A Case of Meru District Council Arusha

Abstract

Teachers' job satisfaction is crucial as it directly impacts their attitudes towards teaching which in turn affects pupil achievement. This study investigates the factors influencing job satisfaction among public primary school teachers in the Meru district in Arusha, Tanzania. Specifically, it identifies key factors associated with teachers' job satisfaction. The study utilized exploratory and descriptive research designs, involving 100 respondents selected through simple random and purposive sampling methods. Data were collected via questionnaires and interview guides which were analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency distributions. The results revealed that 76.5% of the teachers were dissatisfied with their teaching profession. Some of the contributing factors are low salaries, limited in-service training, promotion issues, poor working conditions, inadequate teaching and learning materials, large class sizes, and challenges in preparing pupil reports. These results imply that such dissatisfaction can negatively impact teacher motivation, performance, and pupils' learning outcomes. It may also lead to higher teacher turnover, absenteeism, and difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified teachers. It is recommended that the government and policymakers improve teachers' working conditions by building spacious staff rooms and classrooms, equipping libraries and laboratories, and ensuring timely promotions. Furthermore, teachers' motivation should be prioritized, with opportunities for professional development to improve job satisfaction and overall education quality through conferences, seminars, and workshops.