The management of teacher absenteeism in independent primary schools in Gauteng

Abstract

Teacher absenteeism is a huge concern both internationally and nationally. If it is not well-managed the resulting consequences can be disastrous for schools and most important, the students. While there have been many studies regarding the reasons teachers get absent and the impact this has on student achievement, there is very little information available on the actual management practises of teacher absenteeism, especially in independent, primary schools. Therefore my study will focus on how teacher absenteeism is managed in independent, primary schools in Midrand, Gauteng Province. The purpose of this study is to investigate and procure a basis for understanding how teacher absenteeism is managed in independent, primary schools in South Africa, and in doing so, deliver a perspective into the effective and gainful management thereof. My study made use of a qualitative, case study approach. Numerous data collection techniques like interviews, document analysis and observations were utilised to produce the following results: School managers play a pivotal role in managing teacher absenteeism. The climate and culture they create within the school environment is fundamental to the manner in which teacher absenteeism is managed. If school managers adopt a strong stance against offending teachers and the immediate penalties are opposed, as well as, rewarding the teachers who work in a committed manner and a key component of this is for teachers to attend school regularly and on time, then that specific school will experience low levels of teacher absenteeism. Independent schools in particular exert enormous pressure on their teachers to perform at their best due to parents paying a high amount in school fees and due to the fact that independent schools have direct control over their teachers’ salaries, the teachers feel compelled to fall in line with the schools’ expectations. As a result of my study, these strategies now become available to the schools that experience high rates of teacher absenteeism.