STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING TEACHERS' WORKLOAD TO ENHANCE ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RIVERS STATE

This study investigated strategies for managing teachers' workload to enhance administrative efficiency in public secondary schools in Rivers State. Three research questions and three corresponding null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 302 principals and 6,557 teachers in the 302 public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. A sample of 242 principals and 328 teachers was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-constructed and validated questionnaire titled 'Strategies for Managing Teachers' Workload to Enhance Administrative Efficiency Questionnaire (SMTWTEAQ).' Responses were structured using a four-point rating scale of Very High Extent (VHE), High Extent (HE), Low Extent (LE), and Very Low Extent (VLE) weighted 4–1 respectively. The instrument was validated by experts in Educational Management and Measurement and Evaluation, and the reliability coefficient of 0.81 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha Method. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while the null hypotheses were tested using the independent sample t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that delegation of duties is implemented to a high extent as strategy for managing teachers' workload, while ICT integration and professional development are implemented to a low extent. There were no significant differences in the mean ratings of principals and teachers across all three dimensions. The study concluded that although some workload management strategies are in place, their overall implementation remains inconsistent and insufficiently institutionalized. It is recommended that school administrators adopt structured workload allocation frameworks, invest in digital tools to reduce administrative burdens, and ensure regular professional development for all teaching staff.