The state and the teaching profession: Teacher incentives in Botswana

Abstract

This paper explores the development of various approaches by the State in Botswana to improve teacher incentives. Teacher incentives have been an issue in Botswana for a number of years. The Ministry of Education with the support of USAID has commissioned research into teacher incentives. In 1991 and 1992 there were four major bodies created by the State that dealt with the problem of teacher incentives either directly or indirectly. Report of the Presidential Commission on the Review of Public Service Salaries and Conditions of Service; the review of organization and management conducted by the Public Service (the OM Report); the Report on the Implementation of Parallel Progression; and the 1992–1993 Second National Commission on Education which reported to the President in July 1993. This paper employs and elaborates on a model dealing with ‘incentive categories’ developed by Frances Kemmerer. The ten perspectives related to remuneration and working conditions are used to guide the inquiry. Additional avenues for improving teacher incentives are considered and five recommendations for change made.