Understanding Teacher Morale Among Primary School Teachers

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;">Teacher morale affects all aspects of the school and education system. Yet, the current status of teaching does not provide a rosy picture as teachers are reported to be demoralized and stressed. This qualitative study explored teachers’ experiences that influence their morale. The study was guided by the research question: How do workplace experiences affect teacher morale in selected primary schools? Qualitative data were gathered through six focus group interviews with 36 teachers in four primary schools and were analyzed using a content analysis framework. Data revealed that teacher morale was low. Participants identified school climate factors such as inappropriate professional development activities and violence as threats to their morale. Furthermore, a lack of parental involvement in the affairs of the school was regarded as a setback by teachers. This study highlighted specific issues that influence teacher morale and contribute to the understanding of the state of their morale. The study recommends that more attention is given to ensuring that teacher morale is enhanced for educational goals to be realized. Improving teacher morale has many benefits in that it helps teachers to maintain a positive attitude and be happy at work.</p>

The Potential for Servant Leadership to Raise Teacher Morale in Primary Schools: Perspectives from South Africa

“…The increase in violence is perpetuated by the media, and negatively influences teacher morale (Marais, 2016). Teacher attrition is closely linked to violence in schools and low teacher morale (Mboweni & Taole, 2022).…”

The Potential for Servant Leadership to Raise Teacher Morale in Primary Schools: Perspectives from South Africa

“…The increase in violence is perpetuated by the media, and negatively influences teacher morale (Marais, 2016). Teacher attrition is closely linked to violence in schools and low teacher morale (Mboweni & Taole, 2022).…”

Teacher Morale and Mental Health at the Conclusion of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In addition, low teacher morale negatively impacts teacher productivity and results in a detachment from students [37,38]. Furthermore, factors such as motivation, effort, and job satisfaction have been linked to teacher morale [39][40][41]. Dunn [42] discusses how Coughlan's 1970 work, in which he found 13 factors that affected teacher morale, is still relevant today.…”

The Potential for Servant Leadership to Raise Teacher Morale in Primary Schools: Perspectives from South Africa

“…The increase in violence is perpetuated by the media, and negatively influences teacher morale (Marais, 2016). Teacher attrition is closely linked to violence in schools and low teacher morale (Mboweni & Taole, 2022).…”

Teacher Morale and Mental Health at the Conclusion of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In addition, low teacher morale negatively impacts teacher productivity and results in a detachment from students [37,38]. Furthermore, factors such as motivation, effort, and job satisfaction have been linked to teacher morale [39][40][41]. Dunn [42] discusses how Coughlan's 1970 work, in which he found 13 factors that affected teacher morale, is still relevant today.…”

The Potential for Servant Leadership to Raise Teacher Morale in Primary Schools: Perspectives from South Africa

“…The increase in violence is perpetuated by the media, and negatively influences teacher morale (Marais, 2016). Teacher attrition is closely linked to violence in schools and low teacher morale (Mboweni & Taole, 2022).…”

Teacher Morale and Mental Health at the Conclusion of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In addition, low teacher morale negatively impacts teacher productivity and results in a detachment from students [37,38]. Furthermore, factors such as motivation, effort, and job satisfaction have been linked to teacher morale [39][40][41]. Dunn [42] discusses how Coughlan's 1970 work, in which he found 13 factors that affected teacher morale, is still relevant today.…”