Teachers' motivation for professional development and self-development

Abstract

Motivation is of crucial importance for the life of every individual because in order for people to live, work and create, a person has to have a will, a desire, a need - in one word - they have to be motivated. Motivation is certainly important for teachers, teaching profession, professional development and self-development. Motivation is actually an internal driving force that makes an individual want to achieve something, to accomplish, to advance. No one can improve or advance unless being driven either by extrinsic or intrinsic motivation. Motivation in a person starts with the will, desire, strength, and persistence. Professional development of teachers is a long-term integrative process during which their skills, knowledge and abilities are improved through learning, work and cooperation with other fellow teachers and starting with them as individuals largely responsible for the quality of their own work. Teachers should be given the opportunity to develop professionally. However, their professional development is largely linked to their self-development as the key element of the teaching profession. Professional development of teachers makes possible for continuous acquisition, increase and improvement of their knowledge, and development and enhancement of skills and abilities desirable for successful teaching activities implementation. Professional development also contributes to a high-quality teaching process, successful and efficient cooperation with parents, fellow colleagues and the local community. The aim of this research is to investigate the attitudes and opinions of teachers in reference to the importance of motivation for professional growth and self- development.