Teacher absenteeism is of concern in today’s developing educational climate. In South Africa, where education itself is a contested terrain, and decades of disadvantage still impact resources and skills, despite democracy, it is a compelling challenge. This paper, based on a study of how independent primary schools in Gauteng, South Africa, manage teacher absenteeism, offers an analysis of the management practices employed so that some lessons can be extrapolated. The paper draws from real teaching experience in South African primary schools, noting the huge impact of teacher absenteeism and its implications for teaching and learning. Five co-educational (with both genders), independent primary schools were selected for this qualitative study, using Christopher Hood’s Cultural-Theory Framework, document analysis, interviews and observation. Findings homed in on processes used to track teacher attendance policies; directives and instruments that regulate teacher absenteeism; factors that influence teacher absenteeism; leadership styles; rewards for good attendance; penalties for abusing leave, and strategies and measures to manage teacher absenteeism. We conclude with recommendations in response to this challenge and emphasise the need for further research.Keywords: primary school; strategies for management; teacher absenteeism; teaching and learning

中文翻译：

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管理教师缺勤：南非豪登独立小学的经验教训

在当今不断发展的教育环境中，教师缺勤是一个令人担忧的问题。在南非，教育本身就是一个有争议的领域，几十年的劣势仍然影响资源和技能，尽管有民主，但这是一个令人信服的挑战。本文基于对南非豪登省独立小学如何管理教师缺勤的研究，对所采用的管理实践进行了分析，以便可以推断出一些经验教训。该论文借鉴了南非小学的真实教学经验，指出了教师缺勤的巨大影响及其对教学和学习的影响。使用克里斯托弗·胡德的文化理论框架、文件分析、访谈和观察，为这项定性研究选择了五所男女同校的独立小学。发现用于跟踪教师出勤政策的流程；规范教师缺勤的指令和文书；影响教师缺勤的因素；领导风格；出勤率高的奖励；对滥用假期的处罚，以及管理教师缺勤的策略和措施。最后，我们提出了应对这一挑战的建议，并强调了进一步研究的必要性。管理策略；教师缺勤；教与学 最后，我们提出了应对这一挑战的建议，并强调了进一步研究的必要性。管理策略；教师缺勤；教与学 最后，我们提出了应对这一挑战的建议，并强调了进一步研究的必要性。管理策略；教师缺勤；教与学