ASSESSMENT OF THE PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL LEADERSHIP IN MOTIVATING TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF GEDEO ZONE

<strong>ABSTRACT: </strong>The Purpose of this study was to assess the practice and challenges of motivating teachers by the principals of Secondary schools in Gedeo zone. The research design employed in the study was descriptive survey, which was supplemented by concurrent mixed method. The sampling techniques used included purposive, availability and simple random sampling. The sample size was 134 teachers, 6 vice principals, 11 PTSA, 24 unit leader, 5 school supervisors, 21 Department heads, 2 woreda school supervisors and 6 school principals with the total of 209 participants..Questionnaire and interview were the main data collection tools. Questionnaire was administered and collected from 115 teachers and 63 school leaders. The analysis of the quantitative data was carried out by using percentage, mean score, standard deviation and t-test. While the data gathered through interview and open-ended questions were narrated qualitatively. The finding show that the teachers’ extrinsic motivational factors affecting school leadership in motivating teachers such as failed in support of their job, less encouragement for good performing in school activities. Regarding intrinsic motivational factors affecting school leadership in motivating teachers such as low providing feedback after supervision and less extent of recognition of teachers create discomfort in cooperation from school leadership. The major challenges that affect school leadership were low performance of leaders in leadership, lack of collaborative work, unsatisfactory salary. The school principals’ motivational strategies in motivation of teachers show low performance. From this the researcher concluded that Teachers were not motivated with their salary, absence of additional and special benefits , lack of conducive school environment and lack of teaching and learning materials crates challenges on school leaders in their role of motivating teachers. School principals have failed to motivate teachers and have less success in formulating strategies to motivate teachers. Finally the research recommend that the school principals advised to minimize teachers intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors. The school principal advised to take a measure of developing strong strategies to support teachers collaboratively working for motivating them through discussion with teachers and other stallholders, supporting teachers by carryout continuous follow-up through feedback and better providing incentive packages enhance teachers work motivation.