Influence of Headteachers on Teachers' Motivation. Effects on Academic Achievements of Pupils in Public Primary Schools in Busia West Sub-County

Academic Paper from the year 2017 in the subject Pedagogy - The Teacher, Educational Leadership, grade: 14, University of Kabianga, language: English, abstract: The objectives of the study were to identify various ways in which head teachers influenced staff morale of teachers in public primary schools in Busia West Sub-County. The expectancy theory of motivation by Victor Vroom was adopted for this study. A conceptual framework that illustrates the relationship between the main variables of the study was also developed. A descriptive survey research design was utilized in this study. The study employed an eclectic research methodology or the quantitative and qualitative mixed methods approach with interviews being discussed qualitatively to support or dispute the findings from the questionnaires and document analysis. The target population was drawn from 15 County Education Officers, 83 schools, 83 head teachers and 562 teachers. Fifteen schools and all their head teachers, 160 teachers and 5 education officers were sampled for the study. The number of teachers per school was obtained using proportionate random sampling while the head teachers were sampled purposively. The researcher used questionnaires, interviews and document analysis and observation checklists as tools for collecting data. Pilot survey was carried out in Kembu Zone in Bomet West Sub County. The study findings revealed that: Teaching and learning materials especially teaching aids were unavailable, classrooms were not conducive for teaching and learning and meals were not provided to teachers in their schools; Head teachers did not reward their teachers when they performed well, neither did they give their teachers trips. Merit certificates were also not given to the teachers once students excelled in their subjects. Cash awards were not also given to teachers once their students did well. Teachers were also not promoted to the next grade once students excelled in their subjects.