The contribution of leadership in education: Impact of teachers’ up-grading on the overall performance of secondary schools in Uganda: A case study of Masaka District.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the contribution of Leadership in education impact of teacher’s up-grading on the overall performance of school. The objectives were to analyze the effectiveness of up-grading teachers, to find out whether up-grading teachers can affect the academic performance of the school, to find out whether up-grading teachers can affect the co-curricular activities of the school. The study adopted both a qualitative and quantitative design to probe the issues deeply. Content analysis and Face to Face Interviews and Questionnaires were used the main data collection methods applied in the study. Major findings revealed that teachers who had furthered their studies gave the following challenges regarding up-grading. They said that it was not easy for them to finish their courses given the many hardships one goes through. One teacher was quoted saying that “There are many challenges for the up-grading teachers especially when one is working and married, he continued that he regretted why he had not up-graded when he had just finished the first certificate (diploma) but then fees was a problem. There may also be another disappointment of not increasing one’s salary and at times delay of promotions even when one has up-graded. He concluded saying that for both ‘freshers’ (those just new in the field) and the in service teachers (those working) face many challenges”. Teachers who had not furthered their studies gave some of the reasons as to why they failed to up-grade. Some said the distance from their places of work to the higher institutions of learning was long, others gave family and responsibilities held in their respective work places. Finally they talked about the little salaries that could not allow them save enough money for tuition, yet fees for post graduate courses were very high. Major conclusions were that, it was evident that up-grading is important given its advantages by the respondents. The respondents, all teachers, parents, Education Officers, School Administrators and students, agreed that when teachers up-grade, their awareness capacity is widened than before. The students also noted that teachers’ up-grading was good but if not well planned or programmed may have some shortcomings, for example not giving them enough time both in class and outside class and also may fail to finish up the syllabus. Major recommendations include, Teachers should always plan before going for up-grading programmes, Teachers should have a balance between books and work, Teachers should not wait for the government to come in because up-grading is all about personal development, Teachers should also encourage their colleagues to up-grade so as to reach higher tides and also the government should come out with clear policies about On-service Training.