CLEMENCE, Laurent. T
Description:
The purpose of this study was to “Investigating the Influence of School Leadership on
Teacher’s Morale: The focus on Five Secondary Schools in Siha District, Kilimanjaro
Region”. For the purpose of this study school leadership is defined as practices which are
performed by heads of schools in handling different educational issues in achieving instructional
and educational goals. The specific objectives of this study were (a) to assess teachers’
perceptions on leadership of their schools (b) to determine how school leadership influences
teacher morale and (c) to identify new strategies which can be employed by schools for
improving school leadership which will in turn influence teacher morale.
The study employed a qualitative approach as a means of understanding perceptions and
strategies which can be employed for improving school leadership and teacher morale from
teachers’ perspectives. Data was collected from five schools in Siha District using interviews and
open ended questionnaires which involved 40 teachers.
The findings indicated that school leadership influences teacher morale. The study recommends
that regular seminars and in service training should be conducted for school leaders so as to
impart them with new knowledge and leadership skills. In addition, the government through the
Ministry of Education and Vocation Training should revisit the criteria used to appoint school
leaders to ensure that they have in place leaders who will have a positive impact on teachers.
Working experience should not be regarded as the main criteria for heading the school; instead
leadership qualities and level of education should be given priority.