Assessing Demand and Supply of Secondary School Teachers and Academic Performance Secondary School Students in Tanzania

The main objective of this study was to assess the demand for and supply of secondary school teachers and academic performance of students in secondary schools in Tanzania. The focus was to examine the teachers demand and the academic performance of students in secondary schools in Tanga City; Muheza and Mkinga districts; to assess the current situation of secondary school teachers’ demand and supply in the area and to examine teachers’-students’ ratio in relation to student’s academic performance. The study was supported by a conceptual framework, particularly “input-process-output-outcome” adopted from Scheerens (2011). \n \nThe frame work gave guidance in proper analysis and examination of the level of demand, potential supply as well as the extent of implementation of strategies relating to teacher recruitment practices, supply, teaching and its impact in students’ performance in ten secondary schools in Tanga city; Muheza and Mkinga districts, in Tanga region. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. Data were collected using survey questionnaires, interviews and documentation. A sample included 100 secondary schools’ teachers; 10 heads of schools; 3 District Secondary Education Officers, 3 District Executive Directors; 3 Ward Executive Directors and 3 Policy Makers. Data was analysed step by step by using content analysis technique, following rules of procedure and the data were devised into content analytical units. \n \nThe study found out that there is a shortage of science and mathematics teachers in government secondary schools caused by a number of factors which include among others, improper allocation, lack of motivation; poor working environment; resignation; retirement; change of profession and the government’s failure to employ new teachers. The study found out that, students’ academic performance was not encouraging in most of the schools due to various causes such as students’ seriousness in their lessons, lack of interest in some subjects and student’s-teacher ratio; lack of science laboratories; shortage of science teachers; teachers’ experience and incompetence; poor teaching environment and fewer teaching and learning materials compared to the number of students are among factors constraining students’ academic performance. The study recommends that studies have to be conducted in order to know proper causes for poor students’ academic performance in most government secondary schools. In the same manner, a study has to be made which will help to know whether the existing shortage is caused by poor record of teachers’ attrition or other hidden factors.