Teacher Motivation for Staying in the Profession: Insights from Malaysia

Examining teacher motivation is crucial to supporting the Ministry of Education in sustaining educators’ commitment. This study looked into the factors that affect teachers’ motivation to stay in the profession. Descriptive statistics unveiled that teacher respondents in Malaysia are highly motivated to continue serving. On the other hand, inferential statistics revealed significant positive associations between all identified motivational factors and motivation levels, with varying strengths. Significant differences in motivation among respondents were also found based on the provision of learning and teaching resources, and the adequacy of school facilities. A predictive model was also developed, highlighting a combination of motivational and demographic factors that influence teachers’ motivation to stay. The results were used to propose several policy recommendations.