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In the ever-evolving landscape of education, where the advent of digital learning technologies is reshaping the way students engage with their studies, one constant remains unchanged—the pivotal role of teachers in shaping young minds.
As of 2019, nearly half of students worldwide had already embraced the digital realm through online courses, and a subsequent survey revealed that 81% of college students believed that digital learning tools, such as virtual classroom chats, significantly contributed to their academic success (Statista).
However, behind these staggering numbers lies an essential truth: the impact of a teacher extends far beyond the statistics of online participation.
On average, a teacher will influence the lives of over 3,000 students throughout their career, becoming a guiding force during crucial moments of academic and personal development. A striking 54% of students credit a teacher with helping them navigate through challenging times, while an overwhelming 80% attest to having been encouraged by a teacher to pursue their dreams. Moreover, an astounding 83% of students acknowledge that a teacher has played a pivotal role in boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
In light of these statistics, it becomes clear that the relationship between teachers and students transcends the boundaries of traditional and digital learning.
This raises a vital question: How can we ensure that our educators remain motivated, inspired, and equipped to continue making a positive impact on the lives of their students?
Let’s explore effective strategies and insights on keeping our teachers motivated—a mission-critical to the flourishing of the educational landscape.
How to keep your teachers motivated?
Here are the best 15 ways to keep your teachers motivated, whether they teach at a school, college, or any other academic setting.
1. Praise their accomplishments
Teachers like to be recognized for their hard work, like every other employee. You need to praise them for it.
Whether the appreciation is for a small accomplishment or a big one, you must make the effort. Praising teachers for accomplishments is an effective way to let them know that you care about their wins.
This will undoubtedly boost their morale and motivate them to work better.
For example, LinkedIn Learning recognizes its employees by featuring them in regular employee spotlights. These spotlights can be in the form of internal newsletters, company-wide emails, or even on the company's intranet.
By showcasing individual accomplishments, skills, and positive contributions, employees feel valued and appreciated. This boosts morale and creates a positive work culture where everyone's efforts are acknowledged. EdTech companies can implement similar spotlights to celebrate the diverse talents and achievements of their team members.
2. Create reward programs for teachers
Creating an rewards program for teachers is another great way to keep them motivated. As teachers, they would have a variety of professional goals and aspirations, like the development of students, promotions, etc.
When there are incentives for certain goals, it acts like a prize to be won by the teachers.
And they will be constantly motivated to work harder and reach those goals.
3. Allow teachers to be more innovative
Encouraging teachers to be creative in their jobs is another way to keep them motivated. Creative teaching experiences and interventions also help students learn better. As teachers bring their imagination and creative thinking to the classroom, students will be more interested in learning and acquiring knowledge.
Encourage teachers to use creative learning methods like role play, problem-solving activities, etc. This will benefit the students as they will understand the subjects better through experiential learning. When you let teachers be inventive and bring autonomy to work, they are inclined to work better.
For example, Edmodo, a collaborative learning platform, encourages innovation among teachers by providing a space for the sharing of best practices and innovative teaching methods. Through features like communities and resource sharing, educators on Edmodo can exchange ideas, lesson plans, and innovative approaches to teaching. The platform facilitates a collaborative environment where teachers can learn from each other and experiment with new teaching techniques, fostering a culture of innovation in education.
4. Enhancing teacher’s well-being
Enhancing the health and well-being of teachers in the Edtech industry is paramount for sustaining motivation and productivity. Organizations can prioritize their educators' well-being by offering wellness programs that encompass both physical and mental health aspects.
This may involve providing fitness classes, workshops on stress management, and access to counseling services. Additionally, fostering a culture that values work-life balance, encouraging regular breaks, and supporting flexible work arrangements can significantly contribute to reducing stress and preventing burnout.
By strongly emphasizing health and well-being initiatives, Edtech companies can cultivate a positive atmosphere that supports teachers in their professional roles and enhances their overall quality of life.
For example, Khan Academy is known for its commitment to employee well-being. The company provides resources such as counseling services, mindfulness workshops, and initiatives to promote work-life balance. By acknowledging the challenges that can arise in the education technology sector, Khan Academy ensures that its employees have the necessary support systems, contributing to a healthy and motivated workforce.
5. Create a welcoming work environment
The environment where teachers work also has a huge role to play in motivating them. Stressful and uneasy work environments are not conducive for teachers, or any employee for that matter. If you are looking to understand how to keep teachers motivated, start with creating a positive workspace:
- Assess the overall work culture and setting in your school.
- Make changes if you think your teachers are under pressure.
Teachers will be motivated to work better when you have a welcoming and happy environment.
6. Ensure work-life balance for teachers
After managing work at school or college, teachers often complain about not having the time to spend with their own kids and family or for themselves. The lack of proper work-life balance can demotivate teachers at work.
Take this situation into consideration and help your teachers improve the way they balance their work and personal lives.
Conduct a survey to understand the following:
- What specific issues do teachers face at work?
- What support do they need from you to solve the issue?
- Their suggestions to improve work-life balance.
Once you understand the concerns, create systems and strategies to help the teachers address these challenges. When teachers are able to manage their work and have enough time for themselves, they will naturally be driven to love their work and be happy.
One fantastic example is Duolingo, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, not only excels in its mission to facilitate language learning through its innovative app and platform but also places a strong emphasis on providing a work-life balance for its employees. The company recognizes the importance of fostering an environment where its team members can maintain equilibrium between their professional responsibilities and personal lives.
Duolingo's commitment to work-life balance is reflected in its organizational practices and policies. This includes initiatives to support flexible working hours, allowing employees to adapt their schedules to better suit their individual needs. By promoting flexibility, Duolingo acknowledges the diverse lifestyles and obligations of its workforce, thereby contributing to a positive and accommodating work atmosphere.
Moreover, the company's focus on work-life balance extends beyond the structural aspects of employment. Duolingo values the well-being of its employees, understanding that a healthy work-life balance is crucial for both individual satisfaction and overall productivity. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of creating a supportive and sustainable workplace culture.
7. Celebrate birthdays and anniversaries
Celebrating simple yet essential days for your teachers can go a long way to boosting their morale.
You can celebrate teachers' birthdays, anniversaries of work, any major/small achievement, their weddings, Teachers' Day, etc., to make them feel special.
Celebrating your employees is a great way to let them know that you care about them, which will make your teachers proud to be associated with you.
8. Support your teachers with resources
Teachers require a lot of resources to help students learn. Teachers will feel more equipped and responsible if they are teaching in junior classes or higher secondary, with the right resources.
Provide your teachers with the right infrastructure, materials, technology, etc., to teach the students effectively. This improves the quality of learning and teaching.
When you make the work of teachers effective and easy, they will naturally be motivated at work.
For example, Teach For America (TFA) is dedicated to empowering its corps members for success in the classroom through robust professional development initiatives. The comprehensive support system includes summer training sessions, providing an immersive foundation for educators.
Ongoing coaching ensures personalized guidance, addressing evolving needs and challenges. Workshops and webinars serve as platforms for continuous learning, fostering skill enhancement and knowledge enrichment. Access to a professional network amplifies collaboration, enabling teachers to share insights and best practices.
TFA cultivates an unwavering community, promoting a supportive environment where educators can exchange ideas and seek guidance. This multifaceted approach underscores TFA's commitment to equipping teachers with the resources and skills necessary for impactful education, emphasizing a holistic support system that extends beyond traditional training avenues.
Through these initiatives, Teach For America not only prepares its teachers academically but also nurtures a collaborative and resilient community committed to driving positive change in the education landscape.
9. Be open to their teaching suggestions
Teachers interact closely with the students daily. Hence, they know what teaching methods and strategies work for them. They will also know the strengths and weaknesses of each student.
Therefore, the best people to make teaching suggestions are teachers. And when they do, be open and responsive.
If the teachers are not open, invite them to strategy meetings and huddles to ask for their suggestions.
When they know they are heard and involved in improving teaching, they will be motivated to contribute more at work and ensure the success of such interventions.
One such example of an EdTech giant is Amplify.
Amplify is not just a provider of educational programs; it is a platform that values the input and expertise of teachers, recognizing that their insights play a pivotal role in shaping impactful learning experiences. Amplify actively encourages and embraces teacher suggestions for teaching, fostering a collaborative approach to education.
Understanding the multifaceted challenges teachers face, Amplify seeks to empower educators by providing a space for them to contribute ideas and feedback. This collaborative ethos is rooted in the belief that teachers are uniquely positioned to understand the needs of their students and the dynamics of their classrooms.
Amplify acknowledges the diverse backgrounds and identities students bring to the learning environment and in doing so, recognizes the importance of tailoring educational experiences accordingly.
10. Become more inclusive
Building a diverse and inclusive setting in your school or college is crucial to making teachers more comfortable and motivated to work.
There would be people from different ethical groups, sexual orientations, countries, cultures, etc. Make efforts to be more inclusive and accept teachers from such different groups.
Having a diverse school setting where people are more open to expressing themselves can put your teachers at ease and improve their performance.
For example, Ellucian is a dedicated provider of higher education software, services, and analytics, offering comprehensive solutions to facilitate the efficient management of daily campus operations. With a remarkable commitment that spans over 40 years, Ellucian has made higher education its primary focus, showcasing a profound passion for supporting academic institutions worldwide.
The company's impact is truly global, reaching 2,400 institutions in 40 countries. This expansive reach underlines Ellucian's significance in the higher education sector and its ability to cater to the diverse needs of educational institutions on an international scale.
In addition to its professional pursuits, Ellucian has cultivated a workplace culture that is efficient and notably inclusive. They emphasize the commitment to fostering an environment where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work. This cultural emphasis on inclusivity suggests that Ellucian values diversity, creating a workplace where employees feel a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Ellucian's enduring focus on higher education, global reach, and inclusive culture position it as a critical player in the industry. The company's dedication to providing essential tools and services to educational institutions reflects its mission to empower and enhance the academic experience for institutions and their communities.
11. Allow flexible working hours and conditions
Teachers, too, have families and other commitments to take care of. Providing flexible working options helps them live up to these commitments without fail.
On the other hand, having rigid working conditions and no flexibility will affect your teachers' mental and physical health.
This can put them under stress and demotivate them. The best way to avoid such issues is to build a flexible working environment. Listen to your teacher's requests for flexible work conditions and accept them.
When you do that, they will feel you care for their needs.
For example, Coursera, one of the EdTech giants, adheres to a remote-first approach, embracing a vision that empowers its employees to select the environments in which they can achieve their highest level of productivity. They firmly believe that geographic location should not hinder accessing world-class learning opportunities.
With this conviction in mind, they are actively incorporating this mindset into our workplace's ongoing development and transformation, ensuring that the organizational culture aligns seamlessly with their dedicated team's diverse needs and preferences.
12. Support teachers in their professional growth
Helping your teachers grow professionally is one of the best strategies to use if you are looking to learn how to keep them motivated.
Like other employees, teachers also want to grow in their careers. They, too, may want to pursue advanced courses and upskill themselves. But most of them cannot do it because they are either too busy or don’t have the means.
But you can help them by doing the following:
- Provide financial support to pursue higher education
- Create flexible schedules so they can improve
- Enroll them in workshops and masterclasses
- Consider them for promotions
When you are actively helping your teachers become better and grow in their careers, they will be committed to your institute.
For example, Coursera fosters professional growth among its predominantly millennial workforce by strategically aligning learning and development initiatives with organizational goals. Recognizing the time constraints on employees, Coursera's Director of Learning and Development, Ian Stuart, emphasizes a targeted approach, connecting learning to broader company objectives. For instance, during the rollout of a new performance-management system, Coursera provided resources and workshops on feedback, linking the learning process to the company's values and culture.
The company encourages a culture of leadership and autonomy, especially among its younger employees entering their first job out of college. Stuart underscores the importance of teaching employees to take initiative, bring ideas to fruition, and solve problems independently. Coursera seeks to instill a mindset of leadership at every level, challenging employees to act as leaders regardless of their formal positions within the hierarchy.
Coursera actively invests in its employees' future readiness through its own enterprise learning product, Coursera for Business.
13. Create a free, positive feedback environment
Creating a positive feedback environment is crucial to motivate teachers and make them feel happy at work.
The feedback loop needs to be two-way and open. The goal behind feedback should be growth and improvement, and never for finding fault with teachers.
Along with providing feedback, teachers must also be given the required support to improve their performance. It could be training, required resources for teaching, etc.
You can also involve them in creating improvement interventions, as they will be able to offer more effective, individualized suggestions for growth.
For example, Kahoot! 360, as a game-based learning platform, goes beyond traditional methods by incorporating interactive and engaging features to foster a free and positive feedback environment within the organization. The platform leverages polling and survey features, along with self-paced challenges that include polls, word clouds, and open-ended questions. This innovative approach not only facilitates knowledge-sharing but also enhances communication and collaboration among employees.
One key aspect of Kahoot! 360's positive feedback environment is its ability to make the feedback process enjoyable and interactive. By utilizing game-based elements, employees are more likely to participate willingly and enthusiastically in providing feedback. The self-paced challenges, including polls and word clouds, create a dynamic and entertaining way for employees to express their opinions on various topics. This gamified approach not only captures the attention of participants but also encourages them to share their thoughts in a more relaxed and enjoyable manner.
14. Evaluate teachers' performance regularly
Assessing the performance of your teachers is another crucial part of keeping them motivated. If you are not considering this, all your efforts to learn how to keep teachers motivated will be in vain.
Have the right performance appraisal methods and processes. Let your teachers know the parameters and how they will be assessed.
At the same time, reward top-performing teachers by using an excellent reward system that recognizes those who contribute to your institute more.
These rewards and recognitions are not only a motivation for the one who gets them, but also for others to perform better.
For example, timely reviews and feedbacks are offered to teachers at Unacademy. This helps them learn areas where they can improve, and also motivates consistent performers.
15. Transparent communication
Transparent communication is a key motivator for teachers in EdTech. It establishes clear expectations, provides timely feedback and recognition, and opens doors to professional development opportunities.
Involving teachers in decision-making cultivates a sense of ownership, while open discussions about challenges and dedicated support contribute to problem-solving.
Highlighting student progress and outcomes reinforces the positive impact of EdTech, aligning it with broader educational goals and giving teachers a clear sense of purpose in utilizing technology.
For example, ClassDojo, an education technology company focused on communication platforms for teachers, emphasizes transparent communication. Regular company-wide updates and town hall meetings ensure that employees are well-informed about the company's goals, achievements, and challenges.
Clearly articulating how each employee's work contributes to the overall mission of improving education creates a sense of purpose and alignment. This transparency helps employees understand the impact of their contributions, fostering motivation and a shared sense of purpose.
Whether you're an online or offline educational institution, your academic, support, administrative, sales, and IT staff all play a part in creating a limitless learning experience by reducing barriers and providing access to a world-class education.
Despite the pivotal role they play in shaping our educational experiences, the dedication of these educators often goes unnoticed, especially considering their modest salaries. Their profound commitment to the cause of education serves as a powerful motivator in their daily work.
The extraordinary efforts displayed during the pandemic, particularly in swiftly transitioning to remote learning, deserve acknowledgment. Recognizing both the minor and major contributions of these individuals is crucial to fostering a culture of appreciation.
To sustain this positive atmosphere, it is essential to regularly highlight and celebrate the efforts of your staff. Empuls offers a platform for fostering a culture of gratitude through recognition and rewards, extending appreciation to both teaching and non-teaching staff throughout your educational ecosystem.
Conclusion
The job of a teacher is more than just imparting knowledge. It is also about shaping the world's next generation. Therefore, keeping the teachers motivated and inspired to do the job is essential not just for the school or college but also for the world.
The strategies we discussed will surely help you as an institute to keep teachers motivated. But use these approaches intelligently. What motivates one teacher may not work for another. What works in one situation may not work in another. Hence, figure out what works for whom and when before using them.
Create unique, personalized motivation strategies for each employee, and utilize them effectively. And that's how you can keep your teachers motivated.
