Other Issues Research Paper (25 mins)
Does TESOL Teacher Motivation Matter? - Values vs. Rewards
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.
-
Miori Shimada has been teaching English in Japanese universities for 15 years both as a part-timer and a lecturer. Her research interests include English for young learners (application of picture books and songs), effects of anxiety on EFL students, and teacher education and professional development. She is a doctoral candidate at Anaheim University.
-
James Broadbridge is a teacher, researcher, and materials writer. He is currently working on his Ed.D in TESOL from Anaheim University and is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Foreign Studies at Bunkyo Gakuin University. His main research interests are preparing students for EMI/CLIL courses, the connection between research and the classroom, and pragmatics.
