Exploring experiences of principals in recruiting and retaining qualified educators in schools located in rural areas: a case study in King Cetshwayo Circuit.
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Date
2018
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Abstract
Some principals in schools located in rural areas are faced with a major challenge of recruiting
and retaining qualified educators. Hence education is mostly affected by these shortages. This
study sought to explore the experiences of principals in recruiting and retaining
qualified educators in schools located in the rural areas of King Cetshwayo District.
Through a qualitative case study of qualified educators, this study overcomes this gap
by exploring experiences that affect the recruitment and retention of qualified educators in rural
settings in KwaZulu-Natal. This study is located within an interpretive paradigm. The data was
generated in three primary schools where principals were purposively sampled as
participants. Semi- structured interviews were administered. The objectives of the study
were to explore the experiences of principals in recruiting qualified educators; to
explore the experiences of principals in retaining qualified educators; and to understand how
challenges experienced by principals in recruiting and retaining qualified educators in schools
located in rural areas are mitigated. This study is underpinned under two theories:
human relations and job embeddedness theory. The findings supported by the literature
reviewed revealed that school principals are faced with the following challenges in
recruiting and retaining qualified educators: geographic and social isolation, as well as
poor working conditions; mitigation strategies included recruiting persons with rural
backgrounds, providing mentoring platforms, and parental involvement. Few recommendations were made
towards recruitment and retention of qualified educators located in rural areas .The first
recommendation is directed to principals of primary schools located in rural areas. The second one
is directed to the research community
for further studies to be conducted in this area.
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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
DUT Durban University of Technology
HoD Head of Department
ICT
NCS
Information Communication Technology
National Curriculum Statement
NCTAF
National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future
Outcome Based Education
PGCE Post Graduate Certificate in Education PL1 Post Level 1
PPM Post Provision Modern
RDP
RNCS
Reconstruction and Development Programme
Revised National Curriculum Statement
SASMS South African School Management Systems SGB School Governing Body
SMT School Management Team
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.