Challenges in the Posting and Transfer of Teachers to Rural Community Schools in the Sissala East Municipality

The effective posting and transfer of teachers is a linchpin in getting teachers to rural school locations. This study explored the challenges faced by the Sissala East Municipal Education Directorate in posting and transfer of teachers to rural schools. It further looks at the effects of inadequate teachers in rural schools and proposes strategies to engender the posting and transfer of teachers to rural schools. The concurrent triangulation design type of the mixed method research paradigm was employed for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected simultaneously. Two hundred and sixty (260) respondents were sampled for the study through simple random, stratified and purposive sampling techniques. The data were collected using a questionnaire (five-point Likert scale) and a semi-structured interview guide. The collected data sets were analysed using SPSS software version 20. The study found that teacher accommodation, professional development needs, perceived ignorance about rural dwellers and condition as well as branding rural teachers as “village teachers”, teachers desire to live in urban areas, Ministry of Education recruitment practices, the desire of graduate teachers to teach in senior high and urban schools, contribute significantly to the challenge of posting and transfer of teachers to rural schools. On the effects of inadequate teachers, the study found the practice of multigrade teaching, heavy workload on teachers, the presence of unqualified teachers and the inability to cover the curriculum On strategies in attracting and retaining teachers in rural schools, the study found the following strategies: recruiting teachers from targeted rural areas, induction of new teachers, provision of financial incentives and siting of teacher training institutions in rural areas. The study, contrary to previous research findings found that force transfer of teachers should be enforced. The study concluded that the Sissala East Municipal Education Directorate is challenged in the posting and transfer of teachers to rural schools. The study recommended the provision of decent accommodation for teachers, giving priority to rural teachers in granting of study leave, provision of social amenities in rural areas, decentralizing recruitment of teachers, provision of financial incentives and induction of new teachers. Keywords: posting, transfer, urban, rural and community DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-36-13 Publication date: December 31st 202

Supervising the Teacher in Ghana: Implications for Pupils’ Academic Performance in the Sissala East District

The purpose of the study, which employed qualitative and quantitative design, was to assess the core roles of supervisors in the Ghana Education Service (GES) and how effective these roles are discharged as well as the effects of the core roles of teachers on pupils’ academic performance. The data was gathered and analysed using one hundred and fifty (150) respondents. This included twenty (20) GES officials, forty (40) teachers, forty (40) parents and fifty (50) pupils in the Sissala East District. Random and stratified sampling techniques were used in the selection of respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide were used in collecting data for the study. The data were analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) based on which frequency tables were generated. It emerged from the study that bodies such as the National Inspectorate Board, the Regional Monitoring Team, the District Education Oversight Committee, School Management Committees and Parent-Teacher Associations have not been effective in discharging their supervisory roles and responsibilities. The study further revealed that the core roles of teachers impact greatly on pupils’ academic performance. It is recommended that bodies responsible for supervising teachers are given the need logistics, education and training on their roles to ensure that teachers discharge their core roles and responsibilities. There is the need to institute stiffer sanctions such as placing embargo on teachers’ salary who fail to carry out their roles and responsibilities. Keywords: roles, data, effective, education and GE