The Positive Factors of Working as an English Teacher

Abstract: Fewer students apply for and finish the teacher programs in Sweden, and manyteachers leave their job. Swedish schools are in need of more teachers, but theteaching profession is today portrayed as unattractive. This research aims toinvestigate what factors that motivate some students to become teachers and whatfactors that motivate some teachers, ESL teachers in first hand, to work as teachers,mainly in secondary schools in Malmoe. Three secondary teachers who teach ESL inMalmoe were interviewed and expressed their thoughts about the positive aspects ofthe teaching job, why they wanted to become and why they work as ESL teachers, andwhat goals they have in relation to their profession. The research showed that the ESLteachers teach because they feel passionate about the subject they teach and becausethey enjoy working with children and teenagers. They find the job fun and rewarding,and think that it is challenging, especially when working in a city like Malmoe. Itseems as teachers often put the pupils first and do not focus on external rewards, suchas salary. Teacher motivation has an impact on student motivation and it is thereforeimportant that teachers remain motivated within their profession.