The Influence of Public Primary School Teachers Working Environment on Student Academic Performance in Rural Areas. A Case of Kilimanjaro Region

This study explored how teachers working environment influence students' academic performance at Kilimanjaro region specifically in rural areas. The study was guided by three specific objectives which were to assess primary school teachers' working environmental challenges, to identify the causes of teacher's poor working environment and to assess how working environment for primary school teachers' affects their pupils' academic performance. The descriptive research design was employed in which both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Data were analysed by using SPSS and content analysis.The study was conducted in Mwanga, Moshi and Hai districts. The sample of 133 respondents including 49 primary school teachers, 59 primary school students, 9 head teachers‟ 10 parents/education stakeholders, 3 District Education Officers and 3 District Education Inspectors participated in this study. The study employed simple random, stratified, and purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through interview, questionnaire and documentary review.The research findings revealed that, teachers were facing many environmental problems including poor school infrastructures, lack of text and reference books, poor housing and low administrative supports from the education officers. Those problems are rooted from; National Education Policy, low capitation funds sent to schools from the government, poor/low primary schools teachers‟ salary and the allocation of both human and material resources. Students are affected because,teachers are using working hours for other business to supplement their salaries and there are high rate of teachers‟ turnover. The study recommended the following; Teaching aids and equipment should be provided to teachers for effective teaching and learning, Salaries should, however, be made attractive for the teacher to be able to take good care of themselves and their families without working elsewhere to make ends meet and special training programs that will increase their earning power and also update their working knowledge and skills, should be given regularly.