Motivating Teachers towards professional excellence: 5 stars!

For every Education Administrator or Department Head, the issue of teacher motivation should be of top priority. Motivation should be increased so that teachers can take a more active role in the education / training process, enrich the teaching-learning process, take more responsibility and increase their commitment to their profession (INASED 2021). Too often the focus is on delivery of the curriculum only and less on those affective or intangible elements which can drive the teaching learning process to exceptional levels of success. It goes without saying that the role of the modern teacher is all encompassing. Beyond the daily teaching and grading routine, educators also work to manage student behaviors, family issues, teaching pressure, social media issues and many other difficult issues.

Therefore, it is the duty of every school administrator to support and motivate their teaching staff as motivated teachers create an engaging and collaborative environment for students to learn. Research has shown that motivation is not determined by seniority or educational level, nor the number of activities a teacher engages in during his/her professional life. So what factors affect motivation? Shockingly enough, gender was a determining factor, as women were generally more motivated than men. This may be on account of the generally nurturing nature of women, who see their charges as their own children. A concept the SOME men are more easily able to separate from their professional lives.

Of course many would argue that an increase in salary would definitely motivate teachers, as it has done for many other public servants. In a recent study, it was found that salaries are not only important for the recruitment and retention of excellent teachers – they also help ensure that teachers feel valued and are motivated (Fullard, J. 2020). It is unfortunate that the teaching service does not allow for overtime as does the Police Service or even Health Care. Therefore, the fact that salaries are static may seem as a demotivator in itself.

However, there are other things that can be done to appeal to an individual’s needs. What about their sense of belonging? A teacher spends most of their day at an institution exchanging their skills for a monthly remuneration package. The school becomes a place where one shares many experiences, connect with others in a meaningful way, and where one can call a ‘second home’. It would only be beneficial, if an encouraging and nurturing environment is created. Teachers should feel as though they belong, as though their opinion and skills are valued and that they make up an integral part of the functioning body.

Increase Motivation of teachers by Offering Praise

One way to make your teachers feel motivated and that they belong is to offer praise for work done. To have a well functioning school, individuals are often required to do work that is beyond the direct teaching of the students. Educational leaders should recognize teachers for their additional and soft skills and identify them when the opportunity arises. Many times even the children recognize a teacher’s extra effort but it is not celebrated. What is the harm? Especially if it does an overall good for the school.

Here are some channels you can use to boost teacher motivation by providing public approval:

• Faculty gatherings
• Mass emails
• School newsletters
• School wide assemblies
• Local media
• Social media
• Messages to the district administration

In part two of this topic, we will continue to offer some additional suggestions on how administration can apply positive motivation strategies with their staff. Remember consistency feeds good habits and in turn develops the positive character traits desired. the same applies for your institution. Anything is possible.