Motivation among Teachers at PAREF Southridge School

Motivated people in the workplace are driven to do their tasks well. These people are very particular in all aspect of task given to them in a working environment.  They are investing their effort and support in something that is worthwhile. Motivated people enjoy their tasks at hand and perform well. Therefore, it is fitting that responsible and effective leaders assure that their organizations be filled with motivated people. Keeping them well motivated and inspired is crucial in any organization.

PAREF Southridge teachers are well motivated when it comes to workplace undertakings because generally, they feel welcome and hence are truly part of PAREF Southridge community. Furthermore, they really work hard together because they know and believe that teamwork among teachers can really help them to achieve unified objectives for the success of the school.

Teamwork and friendship among these teachers are the keys to breaking down the walls the units of the school. These qualities help them to forge bond and to solve some problems of the students. After the interviews, I learned that one of the greatest motivations of a PAREF Southridge School teacher is to share love for his students, which is revealed in his responsibility and patience.

Paul Dumol, a former executive Director of Southridge, stated that the motivation of a good teacher to remain teaching should never be money or fame or friendship with the rich and famous but teachers are rewarded with respect not necessarily through trophies or even public recognition. Indeed, the teaching profession is not for people who seek prestige or lucrative remuneration.  On the other hand, Osmundo Tuppal, the administrative officer in the Grade school unit of Southridge, commented that other people of good influence motivate him with great challenge, motivating words, telling him that “he can do it” and their trust in him.  Additionally, he thinks of a higher goal as his aim.

Based on the response of Paolo Altejos, a Civics teacher, people can have different motivation in accomplishing a task. His motivation is attached with his intention and gives way to what one wants to accomplish for himself or others. Meanwhile, Roger Britanico, a Grade six adviser, remarked that his motivation is his family and his willingness to help other people. These are the only things that keep him going. It is also driven him to keep on working hard and focus.

Aldrin Dangoy, a subject Development Officer in Science of the Grade School Unit said that achievement drives him more to excel and accomplish. Having been educated in the public school system, joining a lot of competitions in and out of the school, this has influenced his mindset that he should excel and win in any endeavor that he pursues such as now in his incumbent work which is teaching.

I conducted a simple survey at PAREF Southridge School among 20 faculty members. Results show that 50% of the participants are motivated due to affiliation; 18% are motivated due to achievement; and only 5% falls under the need for power. At Southridge, teachers seem to have different motivations given their nature of being unique. It is totally understandable that each one of them performs accordingly to what is driving them. While it might be more advantageous to have a similar motivation for all organization members, I think what matters more is that the goals are the ones which are common to all. If the personal goals are met with the goals of the organization, we can see alignment in values and can expect higher productivity among members of the school.

Based on the survey conducted, I recommend the following for the welfare of the organization, most especially in the field of motivating teachers. First, since 50% of the respondents state that they seek affiliation for them to sustain motivation. I infer that this aspect should be given reinforcement. The activities related to affiliation should be bolstered such as birthday celebrations, lunch out during year-end, and athletic games for employees. Inventing and developing new events and activities related to affiliation is significant so they could say they belong in the organization where they are into.

Moreover, achievement should also be taken into consideration in this case because it ranks second, with roughly near the same number as the affiliation. The activities, such as Teacher of the Year Award, Rookie of the Year, and Perfect Attendance, in this aspect should be further developed. It is suggested that the school create unique system that would satisfy their need for achievement, bearing mind their unique characters and talents. The school is encouraged to devise more ways for the teachers in the aspect of achievement. I recommend making awards and recognition for teachers who do the extra mile such as to teachers who give humanitarian services to the community, to those who are excellent in proactivity, and to those who manifest sincere dedication to student achievement.