How Can I Design a Motivation Program for Teachers Who Aren't Engaged?

Motivation and Self-Development Program for Teachers

I am in need of a motivation and self-development program for teachers in a private school. I am an HR in-charge handling 250 employees. I was earlier working with an MNC as HR in a facility management organization. Since I am new to this education sector, I am finding it difficult to design a motivation program for teachers.

Current Observations

1. The teachers are not interested in attending training programs.
2. This school is in a small town in Tamil Nadu. Employees are like "ha, it's 4.30 pm, I am moving out."

Dear Colleague,

This is the sorry state of the education sector and the teaching profession that requires a lot of self-motivation to update knowledge and stay current in their core areas. It is a bitter truth that this situation exists in government schools, aided schools, and private schools alike. As yours is a private school, you may strive for improvement, but fast results should not be expected due to attitudes and lack of willingness.

Implementing a Mandatory Annual Refresher Course

You may consider implementing a mandatory annual refresher course on teaching methodology, advanced teaching methods, and updating core subject knowledge for the staff. A good option could be to establish a partnership with a reputable business school and the postgraduate department of education (M.Ed) in a recognized university to design a program focusing on identified skills. Although there may not be a ready-made program available, customized programs can be designed and delivered effectively.

Thank you.

Identifying the Root Cause of Motivation Issues

Before you embark on the expensive task of motivational training—which I suspect will be a waste of time and money—you need to find out the real reason for the lack of interest and motivation.

It seems to me there is something inherently wrong with your school that engenders this attitude. It could be due to pay, indifferent management, no incentives to work hard, or no opportunities for development and advancement. Work out what that is and fix it first.

Hi Sudha, you do indeed need to find the root cause.

If you are paying the best salaries in town, then the teachers have no need to look elsewhere and are just turning up for the pay, working the mandated hours, and leaving. Why wouldn't they? It sounds like they've got a good life and want for nothing. Also, why do they need to stay after 4:30 pm if their teaching day is finished?

You have said yourself that they are "not interested in attending training programs." So why are you embarking on a training program? It will be a waste of time, money, and energy. I can tell you now they will just sit there passively and contribute nothing. They may even be disruptive in the class, just to show you that they do not want to be there. If you are not skilled in training, then good luck with that. You will have a miserable time.

For training to be successful, the participants HAVE TO WANT TO BE THERE. I am sure that among the CiteHR membership, there are many of us (myself included) who have had to attend training we hated and tried to find an excuse not to attend.

I can assure you that "motivational training" is top of the list for most hated training worldwide because so much of it is meaningless drivel. I am a trainer, and I saw this over and over again. The most important ingredient of training - WIIFM - What's In It for ME.

It seems to me that you first need to find out what the problems are, then find a fix. It may be that you need to bring an independent person in from outside to run one-on-one interviews, focus groups, etc., to try and determine what the teachers like (other than pay) and dislike about the place. I feel sure there is more to this story than you have told us.