Investigation of teachers’ job satisfaction on commitment to teaching in rural public secondary schools in Handeni district, Tanzania

The aim of the study was to investigate teachers’ job satisfaction on commitment to teaching in rural public secondary schools in Handeni District, Tanga as study area. The study covered three objectives that intended to (i) Examine factors influencing teachers’ job satisfaction to teaching in rural public secondary schools, (ii) Investigate the impact of teachers’ job satisfaction on commitment to teaching in rural public secondary schools and (iii) Suggest ways forward that improve the satisfaction and commitment of teachers to teaching in rural public secondary schools. The study employed qualitative research approach and hermeneutic phenomenological research design. Five rural public secondary schools were selected for the study. A total of 16 participants involved in the study where 5 were heads of schools, 10 secondary school teachers and 1 District Secondary School education officer. All participants were selected purposively. Data collected using interviews and documentary review. The findings of the study were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that; poor working environment, lack of accommodation facilities, lack of motivation and incentives, poor supervision, low salary and lack of hardship allowances affect teachers’ job satisfaction. More findings showed that among the teachers job satisfaction are improvement of academic performance, raise of teaching morale, retention and reduction of’ absenteeism. Furthermore, salary adjustment, provide hardship allowances, payment of arrears, leave, motivation and promotion on time were mentioned as ways to improve job satisfaction and commitment of teachers. Lastly, the communities recognize and respect work done by teachers in respective areas.