TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF WHAT MOTIVATES THEM TO PURSUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY

Date

2021-01

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

This qualitative single-subject case study investigated teachers’ perceptions of what motivates them to pursue professional development. The research focused on one school district in New Jersey with participants from elementary, middle, and high schools. The district administrator in charge of professional development was also interviewed. Individual interviews and district professional development catalogs were used to collect data. This study identified factors that motivate teachers to engage in professional development, which include student achievement, compensation, past experiences, and collaboration. The study explored current research about motivation and best practices in professional development and sought to determine which components are the strongest motivation in the pursuit of professional growth. The conclusions drawn from this study were that teachers are motivated to pursue professional development when it benefits their students, provides them with resources and materials, values their time, and allows them to identify a need for and choose their programs.

Description

Keywords

professional development, motivation, student achievement, programs

Citation

DOI