Keeping teachers inspired is the most effective way to improve learning outcomes

Why are teachers important?

Everyone agrees addressing the learning gap in India is a critical. The Indian education sector reflects this priority as it is valued at approximately $100 billion (USD), among the largest in the world. 

While investments in digital learning technologies or school infrastructure is at a peak - teachers do not attract the same level of investment. In terms of absolute numbers there are far fewer organisations that support teachers exclusively than those that support ‘education.’

Yet it is teachers that are the single most important factor affecting how much students learn. 

Supporting teachers have a multiplier effect - with one teacher able to improve the learning outcomes of more than 1,000 children in her lifetime. Today’s teachers are expected to handle larger classrooms, implement technological solutions with minimal training and adhere to lesson plans that allow little room for innovation or spontaneity. They are held to higher and higher standards while retaining little autonomy in their own classrooms. 

Improving learning in India today isn’t possible without the empowerment of its teachers. 

In order to understand  how to shift the focus onto teachers and what keeps them motivated we spoke with teacher expert, Maya Menon, Founder and Director at The Teacher Foundation, which aims to infuse the school education system in India with new energy, enthusiasm and expertise.

What keeps a teacher motivated?  

Motivation affects everyone - not just teachers. It stems from both extrinsic as well as intrinsic factors and there's always an interplay between them. 

Extrinsic motivation arises from the nature of the school as a workplace. Is it conducive to collaboration and creative exploration? Is there reward and recognition for work done well? Are there opportunities to share concerns and challenges? Is the school a place that fosters  personal and professional growth?

Intrinsic motivation is often a tall order in a country that has systematically disempowered teachers over several decades - so  much that there is a sense of 'learned helplessness' among the teaching fraternity. Teachers need to have a deep personal sense of agency and empowerment to be internally motivated.

And what prevents teachers from staying motivated?  

The biggest barrier to motivation, at least for teachers, is the lack of well-articulated expectations from school management. Teachers need to know the quality of teaching standards that are expected. They also need support, guidance and mentoring to successfully work towards those standards. 

So how can we support motivated teachers? 

The school ecosystem needs to be made conducive for teacher well-being, growth and effectiveness. By that I mean, we need to respect and value every teacher, ensure her work space is clean, happy and healthy; support her professional growth in skills and competence and enable her to constantly extend her capabilities.

Motivation helps to energise, direct and sustain positive behaviour over a long period of time. It is the magic that keeps teachers happy and students learning long after they’ve left the classroom. To make a lasting difference to education outcomes, we need to bring teachers back into focus, recognise the critical role they play and invest in their efforts.