Does TESOL Teacher Motivation Matter? - Values vs. Rewards more

Sat, Apr 30, 14:30-Tue, May 31, 23:55 Asia/Seoul

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the plight and issues of teachers in the field of education. Numerous studies have been conducted on student motivation. However, there have scarcely been studies on teacher motivation, especially in the TESOL field. This study explores the relationship between the values and the rewards TESOL professionals associate with and earn from their work and career. To this end, a modified version of the instrument used in Kassabgy, Boraie, & Schmidt’s (2001) study was utilized and the data from 368 TESOL professionals worldwide were examined. Echoing Kassabgy et al., intrinsic motivation was found to be a key element to job satisfaction and motivation. However, this study found slightly different factors and loadings than those in Kassabgy et al., indicating a trend away from relationships with coworkers as important teacher values. This may be due to the development of social networking and the shift of support structures.