Causes of teachers’ turnover in public in public secondary schools: a case of Dar es salaam region

This study investigated the causes of teachers’ turnover in public secondary schools using Dar es Salaam region as a case study. The primary objectives were: first, to assess the factors that drive teachers in public secondary schools to quit or change their career; second, to assess the retention strategies adopted by the government to reduce teacher turnover; and third, to examine teachers’ attitude to leaving the teaching profession. Data was collected through a questionnaire as well that used self-administered questionnaires, annual school reports and other school documents. The sample was made up sixty (60) teachers from eight (8) public secondary schools in Dar es Salaam region. The data collected was subjected to analysis. Quantitative data, on the other hand was analysed with the assistance of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study indicate that lack of recognition and appreciation for work done, poor salary and benefits, low social support from colleagues, students and societal attitude toward teachers and poor working environment are the main causes of teachers’ turnover in public secondary schools. On the basis of these findings the study recommends that policy makers and education stakeholders would come up with a common agreement to improve teachers’ remunerations and clear the outstanding arrears for various claims. It also recommends that stakeholders create good working conditions to match with the existing labour market demand including the provision of economic wages and perks