Submitted in fulfillment ofthe requirements for the degree MASTER OF EDUCATION in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education of the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, 2006. / The growing number of educators leaving the teaching profession to take up teaching posts in other countries indicates that they are unhappy with the present working conditions. This "brain drain" results in a shortage of trained educators necessary to ensure the success of our democracy. The status of the profession is at an all time low. Literature pertaining to the factors which impact on educator morale and its implications on educator efficiency were reviewed. All- factors that could possibly impact on educator morale were investigated. The research has revealed that the negative factors present in the profession far outweigh the positive factors. These push factors result in many educators leaving the profession. The descriptive method of research was used to collect data with regards to educators' perceptions of the influence of morale on educator efficiency. An empirical survey comprising a structured questionnaire was completed by educators in the Amanzimtoti Ward of Kwazulu-Natal. The data that was collected reveals that certain factors do impact negatively on educator morale and consequently affects the efficiency of educators. Some of these factors are; • learner discipline and interest, • low salary and benefits, • changing methodology and educational policies, and • parental apathy. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the working conditions for educators be improved and the workload be reduced. All stakeholders should be involved in the disciplinary committee and in drawing up the code of conduct. Educators should enhance the status of the profession by behaving in a professional manner and by improving the quality of work.

The aim of this study was to identify the kinds of disciplinary problems educators experience in schools, their causes, as well as their impact on the morale of educators. The researcher made use of a quantitative approach whereby questionnaires were completed by educators from five secondary schools in the Zebediela area. In total, 89 respondents completed the questionnaires. They were from both genders, with various years’ of teaching experience, and generally well qualified. The results indicated that there indeed existed disciplinary problems in the schools. These problems were caused by factors relating to the learners, to their parents, the educators, as well as to the school principal. The impact of a lack of discipline on educator morale included anger, irritability, tiredness, loss of control, and expressing the wish to leave the teaching profession. The study made recommendations for managers on how to improve the situation, and also for further study. Some limitations of the study were also identified. / Further Teacher Education / M.Ed. (Education Management)

The aim of this study was to identify the kinds of disciplinary problems educators experience in schools, their causes, as well as their impact on the morale of educators. The researcher made use of a quantitative approach whereby questionnaires were completed by educators from five secondary schools in the Zebediela area. In total, 89 respondents completed the questionnaires. They were from both genders, with various years’ of teaching experience, and generally well qualified. The results indicated that there indeed existed disciplinary problems in the schools. These problems were caused by factors relating to the learners, to their parents, the educators, as well as to the school principal. The impact of a lack of discipline on educator morale included anger, irritability, tiredness, loss of control, and expressing the wish to leave the teaching profession. The study made recommendations for managers on how to improve the situation, and also for further study. Some limitations of the study were also identified. / Further Teacher Education / M.Ed. (Education Management)