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.