What Makes Teachers Tick?
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IShane challenges the common assumption that all teachers must be primarily motivated by their love of children. Drawing from research and personal reflection at the Festival of Education, he explores the diverse motivations that actually drive educators - from technical craft enthusiasts to social justice warriors to stability seekers. Using the 2007 Watt and Richardson "FIT-Choice Scale" study, Shane identifies six different types of motivated teachers and explains why understanding these differences is crucial for effective school leadership.
The episode explores how different teacher motivations impact recruitment, retention, and strategic staff deployment. Shane argues that recognising this diversity allows leaders to better support their teams, align opportunities with individual motivations, and move beyond the simplistic myth that good teachers are only driven by love of children. The discussion includes practical implications for how schools can leverage the natural diversity of motivations within their teams to create more effective and sustainable change.
Action Challenge
Have a conversation with one teacher this week. Ask them what really motivates them - not what should motivate them, but what actually does. Listen carefully and consider how you might align future opportunities with their genuine motivations.
Books Mentioned
"Putting Staff First: A Blueprint for Revitalising Our Schools" by John Tomsett and Jonny Uttley
"Change Starts Here: What if Everything Your School Needed Was Right in Front of You?" by Shane Leaning and Efraim Lerner
Study: Watt, H. M. G., & Richardson, P. W. (2007). Motivational Factors Influencing Teaching as a Career Choice: Development and Validation of the FIT-Choice Scale. The Journal of Experimental Education, 75(3), 167-202.
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.
