An investigation into factors that contribute to Burnout among teachers: A case of public secondary school teachers in Eldoret municipality

Abstract

Secondary School teachers play a vital role in the implementation and management of school curriculum in Kenya. This is in line with what the Government through the Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MOEST) expects of them. However, relatively hard economic times, the re-emphasis on competition and productivity, the accompanying curriculum changes, increased workload and fears of job loss among other factors have increased workplace pressures and teachers distress. This affects teachers' service delivery negatively. This research was conducted to investigate factors that contribute to burnout in the workplace. The objective was to identify causes of burnout in the workplace and come up with recommendations, suggestions and measures which will help teachers improve their work performance. The study was based on a job stress model which favors the view that job stress and subsequently burnout is as a result of various variables, the main one among them being working conditions. The population of interest was the 250 secondary school teachers teaching in public secondary schools within Eldoret municipality. The sample size of 63 teachers and 10 administrators was obtained using a sample ratio of 0.25 through stratified sampling technique. The data generated by the study was analyzed qualitatively using content analysis and quantitatively with the help of SPSS. From the analysis done, conclusions and recommendations were drawn basing on research questions. The study revealed that the major cause of teacher burnout was working conditions. However, the management can use strategies such as counseling, relaxation, training and putting sexual harassment to a stop or eliminate burnout in the workplace The study proposed by the teachers, school managers and the ministry of education officials, burnout management in schools would be successful.