International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation  |  ISSN (Online): 2582-7138  |  Double-Blind Peer Review  |  Open Access  |  CC BY 4.0

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     2026:7/3

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation

ISSN (Online): 2582-7138 | Open Access

Addressing Salary Stagnation and Systemic Challenges in Samoa’s Primary Teaching Profession

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Volume: 6 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 767-776

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Country: Samoa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMRGE.2025.6.4.767-776

License: CC BY 4.0

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Abstract

This study examines the critical crisis of salary stagnation and systemic challenges within Samoa's primary teaching profession, which threaten educational quality and national development. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach (survey of 48 primary school teachers; thematic analysis of open-ended responses). The research reveals severe financial strain: 74.5 percent of teachers report that their salaries lag behind living costs, 46.8 percent have received no raise in five years, and 72.3 percent perceive their pay as inequitable compared to other professions. These pressures are exacerbated by Samoa’s unique cultural obligations (falavelave) and systemic failures. Over seventy-six percent cite low political prioritization of education, and 74.5 percent identify insufficient government funding. Consequences include high attrition intentions (31 percent consider leaving), burnout, and collapsed recruitment (only 8.3 percent of teachers under age 25). Nearly half (47.9 percent) report that salary stagnation directly impairs job performance due to stress and demotivation. Securing Samoa’s educational future demands recognizing teachers as indispensable national assets and enacting these evidence-based reforms to ensure retention, recruitment, and sustainable quality education.

How to Cite This Article

Raphael Semel, Felila Saufoi Amituanai, Pulou Wright, Sekolasitika Emmafaithful Vitale (2025). Addressing Salary Stagnation and Systemic Challenges in Samoa’s Primary Teaching Profession . International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE), 6(4), 767-776. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54660/IJMRGE.2025.6.4.767-776

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Publication Information

Journal: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation (IJMRGE)

Publisher: Anfo Publication House

ISSN: 2582-7138 (Online)

Frequency: Bimonthly

Language: English

Open Access: Yes - This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

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