JOB SATISFACTION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL BIOLOGY TEACHERS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study investigates job satisfaction among Senior Secondary School Biology teachers in Gombe Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria. It examines the level of job satisfaction, factors influencing job satisfaction, and the impact of satisfaction levels on teacher performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted and data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 100 Biology teachers across selected secondary schools. The study aimed to identify the underlying causes of dissatisfaction among Biology teachers and propose recommendations for improving their working conditions and overall job fulfillment. The findings reveal that a significant majority (70%) of Biology teachers reported low job satisfaction while 30% were undecided, indicating a widespread issue of dissatisfaction in the teaching profession. The study identified key factors influencing job satisfaction, including poor working environments, inadequate teaching resources, irregular salary payments and ineffective human resource practices. The analysis showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.821, p < 0.05) between job satisfaction and teacher performance, demonstrating that teachers who experience higher levels of job satisfaction tend to be more effective, motivated and committed to their teaching responsibilities. The study concludes that the persistent low job satisfaction among Biology teachers is a critical issue affecting the quality of education in secondary schools. Poor remuneration, lack of professional development opportunities and inadequate recognition of teachers’ efforts significantly contribute to job dissatisfaction. Addressing these issues through improved salaries, better working conditions, provision of teaching resources and enhanced teacher welfare programs is essential for increasing teacher motivation and improving student learning outcomes. Based on the findings, the study recommends policy interventions to improve teacher job satisfaction, including timely salary payments, provision of adequate teaching resources, establishment of teacher support programs and increased involvement of teachers in decision-making processes. Also, continuous professional development and opportunities for career advancement should be promoted to enhance teacher retention and performance. Future research should explore job satisfaction among teachers of other subjects and examine long-term solutions to improve teacher well-being and education quality in Nigeria.