Factors influencing teacher job satisfaction in Armed Forces schools in the Kumasi metropolis

Abstract

Motivation of workers is a very important aspect in the work force of any type. Teachers like all other workers need to be motivated to enable them function effectively and efficiently in their profession. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors which influence teacher job satisfaction in the Armed Forces Schools in Kumasi. In particular, the causes of teacher job satisfaction, effects of teacher job satisfaction, the relationship between gender as well as the relationship between age and teacher job satisfaction were investigated. The research design used in the study was the descriptive survey, with teachers in Armed Forces School in Kumasi Metropolis as the population and a sample size of 265. The questionnaire used for the study contained 59 items, which were of the Likert-scale type. Results from the study which was analyzed using percentages, frequencies and Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicate that teachers were highly satisfied with students’ behaviour, students’ attitude towards learning and assignments, and human relations of various stakeholders, among others. The study however reveals that teachers were not satisfied with aspects like their present salary levels, quality of school infrastructure and class size. The study recommended that fee paid for extended teaching should be increased from GH¢2.00 to GH¢5.00 and be paid as salary supplement to teachers. Funds left after paying the teachers could also be used to acquire teaching/learning materials. The study also recommended that in order to reduce the class size, the Ministry of Defense should put up more classrooms.