Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess teachers‟ perceived social status, their professional
commitment and influencing factors in North Mecha Woreda Secondary schools. Samples
of 154 teachers were selected from all teachers in the Worerda using a multi stage
random sampling. With explanatory and co relational research design, data were
gathered using a questionnaire and analyzed using one sample t-test, correlation, linear
regression and stepwise regression. The results showed that the level of teachers
perceived social status was found to be significantly below average. Similarly, teachers‟
professional commitment was found significantly below average. With respect to
Pearson correlation analysis results, there was statistically significant positive
relationship between teachers perceived social status and teachers professional
commitment (r =.433) and liner regression analysis result shown that teachers perceived
social status predicts teachers professional commitment(R square = .187).The stepwise
regression result showed that the effect of workload reduction, pupil partnership,
teachers as active reformers, expanded community role, teachers as workers and public
appreciation factor was statistically significant to predict teachers perceived social status
respectively. Hence, this study reported, of the seven factors, these six factors were
proved to be more reliable and contributing factors and achieved in this study and,
therefore, considered most likely to generate positive change in the social status of
teachers North Mecha Woreda secondary schools. But, the effect of re-orientation as
leaders‟ factor was not significant to predict teachers' perceived social status and it
proved as less contributing factor. North Mecha Woreda Secondary school teachers‟ may
possibly feel disrespect from the society and they have weak attachment with their
profession. Stake holders such as media and famous individuals advocacy to foster
teaching profession is the mother of all other professions and policy makers need to make
the teaching profession an attractive profession for candidates who can strengthen the
social status of teachers was recommended. Besides, local school leaders such as parent
teacher association and kebele education board around the school should generate both
material and non material awards and appreciations for teachers in front of the local
communities for teachers‟ scarification was recommended.