The Strategies Employed by the Heads of the School in Enhancing Teachers’ Retention in Secondary Schools in Babati District, Tanzania.

This study assessed the strategies employed by the heads of the schools in enhancing teachers’ retention in secondary schools in Babati district, Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined the types of leadership styles practiced by heads of the schools, assessed problems facing heads of the schools in retaining teachers in secondary schools and examined approaches employed by the heads of schools in promoting teachers’ retention. The study engaged qualitative research approach with descriptive case study design. The sample size was 57 participants. Data collection methods involved were interview, focus group discussion and documentary review. The findings revealed that heads of schools practiced cooperative leadership, transformational leadership, transaction, and authoritarian leadership in secondary schools. The findings also revealed problems faced school sheads in retaining teachers based on lack of funds to motivate teachers, political interference, social cultural beliefs, personal teachers’ interests, lack and poor physical infrastructures; and lack of clear policy for retaining teachers. Moreover, the study found various approaches employed by school heads in promoting teachers’ retention based on promoting school raising funds, provision of teaching and learning allowances, promoting outgoing and picnic trips through meetings. The study concluded that leadership styles practiced by school heads are important increasing environment for teachers’ retention in schools. Keywords: Leadership, Teacher Retention and Secondary School