Factors Leading to Migration of Primary School Teachers to Secondary Schools in Selected Government Primary Schools in Mpulungu Dis-trict of Northern Province of Zambia.
Authors-Kasale Christopher
Keyword-Teacher migration; primary education; secondary schools; teacher retention; working conditions; Mpulungu District; Zambia; education policy
The migration of primary school teachers to secondary schools has become a growing concern in Zambia’s education system, particularly in rural districts such as Mpulungu in the Northern Prov-ince. This study investigates the factors contributing to this trend and its implications for primary education. A qualitative descriptive research design was employed, involving teachers, head teachers, and education officers. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis, and analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that teacher migration is largely influenced by economic factors such as higher salaries and allowances in secondary schools, professional factors including career advancement opportunities, and institutional factors such as improved working conditions and access to teaching resources. Additionally, workload dispari-ties and perceived social prestige associated with secondary school teaching contribute signifi-cantly to migration decisions. The study concludes that the continued movement of teachers poses a serious threat to the quality of primary education. It recommends policy reforms aimed at im-proving working conditions, enhancing incentives, and providing career progression opportuni-ties within primary education.
Doi-[https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20538521]