An examination of teacher retention in secondary schools of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the East Kenya Union Conference

Résumé

Teacher retention continues to be a significant concern impacting the quality and stability of educational institutions worldwide. This research investigated the factors influencing teacher retention in faith-based secondary schools, specifically within Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) institutions in the East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC). The study utilized a contemporaneous mixed-methods research design and an exploratory strategy, employing a descriptive survey to examine the impact of school administration, wage administration, motivating strategies, socio-economic determinants, and religious devotion on teacher retention. Among the twenty secondary schools in the union, the researcher focused on eleven that had participated in the national examinations since 2008. The study's subjects comprised teachers, principals, conference/field education directors, and Board of Management chairpersons. The data gathering instruments employed were questionnaires directed at instructors. Interview schedules were arranged for education directors, school Board of Management chairpersons, principals, and teachers for the purpose of triangulation. The observation schedule was systematically arranged. This focused on the school infrastructure and all activities occurring within the institution. The educational facilities and the conduct of educators within the institution were also documented here. The additional instrument employed was the document analysis tool utilized to gather data over a span of 8 years. Ninety-eight (98) instructors were mandated to complete the supplied questionnaire, while eleven principals, five education directors, and eleven chairpersons of the Boards of Management (BoM) underwent interviews. Three educators from each school were interviewed for the purpose of triangulation. Observations were conducted during school visits. The documentary analytic method was employed to collect data on teacher turnover trends during an eight-year period. The acquired data was evaluated utilizing descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. An study of documents pertaining to teacher retention was conducted. Content analysis was conducted on interview replies and open-ended questions to discern the developing themes. The statistics indicate that a greater number of instructors departed from schools than were hired in the majority of the years. It is apparent that certain teachers departed from church employment. The turnover occurred annually. Teachers wanted to continue at the school as long as the management was cooperative, understanding, appreciative, acknowledged their work, demonstrated care, and treated them with dignity. The report advocates for the school administration to collaborate with teachers by treating them with respect and acknowledging their contributions. Stringent measures should be implemented to incentivize teachers, guaranteeing their access to housing and transportation, as well as ensuring they receive suitable remuneration.