What Keeps Teachers Going? Analyzing the Key Factors Influencing Teacher Performance in Northern Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study aims to identify the key factors influencing teacher performance in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. As established in previous research, the performance of teachers directly influences the academic outcomes of students. Conse-quently, there is a pressing need to investigate the factors influencing teachers' performance in schools within the northern province, given the crucial role they play in addressing the challenges. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from 282 government schoolteachers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analy-sis. The findings indicated that superior support, rewards, societal recognition, work environment and student interaction significantly impact teacher performance, with reward systems and administrative support emerging as the most influential factors. The study further highlights economic constraints, lack of resources, and insufficient parental involvement as major barriers to effective teaching. The study underscores the need for improved financial incentives, and better resource allocation to enhance teacher motivation and performance.