A Comparative Analysis of Teacher Morale in Kashmir's Higher Secondary Schools: The Rural-Urban Divide

This study examines the comparative levels of teacher morale among higher secondary school teachers in rural and urban areas of Kashmir Division. A sample of 460 Teachers (230 Rural, 230 Urban) was selected from Government Higher Secondary Schools across ten districts. Data were collected using the Teacher Morale Questionnaire by Venugopala Rao and D.B. Rao (1999), which measures Morale across seven factors. The results reveal significant differences in morale between Rural and Urban teachers, with Rural Teachers exhibiting higher overall morale, particularly in School Administration and Educational Administration. Urban teachers scored higher on Social Facilities. The findings highlight the influence of contextual and administrative factors on teacher morale and suggest targeted interventions to enhance morale in both settings.