DRIVING TEACHER SATISFACTION: THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF GRADE HEADS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS
Abstract
Teacher job satisfaction remains a critical concern in education due to its influence on
teacher retention, well-being, and instructional effectiveness, particularly within special
schools where teachers face complex pedagogical and emotional demands. In such
contexts, the leadership role of grade heads becomes pivotal in shaping teachers’
professional experiences. This study aimed to explore the roles of grade heads in
enhancing teachers’ job satisfaction in special schools. The study adopted a qualitative
phenomenological research design because it aimed to gain insight into participants’
perceptions, feelings, and interpretations. Data were collected through semi-structured
interviews involving a purposive sample of ten participants comprising grade heads. Data
was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that grade heads enhance
teachers’ job satisfaction through multiple interconnected roles, including instructional
leadership, emotional and professional support, facilitation of collaboration and team
cohesion, motivation, and resource coordination. These roles contribute to improving
teachers’ competence, emotional well-being, sense of belonging, and professional
fulfilment, thereby directly addressing the research aim. The study concludes that grade
heads play a multifaceted and transformative leadership role in special schools,
significantly influencing teachers’ job satisfaction. It recommends strengthening
leadership development programmes, institutionalising emotional support systems,
promoting collaborative practices, implementing recognition strategies, and improving
resource allocation mechanisms. The study underscores the need for context-responsive
leadership approaches that support teacher well-being and enhance educational
outcomes in special school environments.
Keywords: Collaboration, emotional support, grade heads, instructional leadership,
teacher job satisfaction, transformational leadership, special schools
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