Teacher professionalization: Motivational factors and the influence of age

This study examines motivational factors of teachers who have achieved a national standard of professionalization. Data were collected from National Board certified teachers in the United States (N = 453) using a two-part, web-based survey. Exploratory factor analysis found five motivators: improved teaching, financial gain, collaborative opportunities, self and external validation. Analyses of Variance (ANOVAs) highlighted differences in the financial gain and external validation motivations, depending on the teacher’s age at the time of certification. The results of this study reveal multiple motivators for teacher professionalization, with teachers of different ages motivated by diverse incentives.

Research highlights
► Motivators: improved teaching, financial gain, collaboration, self and external validation.
► Data were collected from National Board certified teachers in the United States.
► Differences in the financial gain and external validation, depending on the teacher’s age.
► Teachers in 30s more motivated by financial gain than those in 40s.
► Teachers in 30s more motivated by external validation than those in 40s and 50s