Retired educationist Dr. Musah Yambah has called for stronger efforts to motivate teachers, describing it as the “lifeblood” of educational success and national development.
Delivering a speech as the Guest Speaker at the Best Teacher Award Ceremony held at the East Mamprusi Municipal Education Office in Gambaga, Dr. Yambah said that the motivation of teachers determines the quality of learning outcomes, teacher retention, and the overall effectiveness of the school system.
“Teachers are the backbone of education, shaping the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of future generations,” he noted. “When teachers are motivated, they perform better, engage their students effectively, and create a positive learning environment — for a hunting dog performs its best when the owner is a good runner.”
Motivation Enhances Performance and Retention
Dr. Yambah emphasized that motivated teachers exhibit higher levels of enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment, leading to improved student performance. Conversely, low motivation, he warned, results in neglect, burnout, and declining teaching standards.
He added that motivation also plays a crucial role in retaining teachers within the profession, reducing the rate of turnover that undermines consistency and stability in schools.
“When teachers’ efforts are not appreciated, they may be compelled to exit — for when a goat is made an MC in a dinner of wolves, he positions himself by the door,” he quipped.
Fosters Innovation and Positive School Climate
According to Dr. Yambah, motivated teachers are more likely to explore innovative teaching methods, engage in continuous professional development, and adapt to changing educational needs.
He said teacher motivation also contributes to a positive school climate, strengthening relationships among teachers, students, and parents, and promoting collaboration and teamwork.
“No single finger can pick a stone,” he said, urging teachers and school leaders to work together to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
Motivation Drives Societal Development
Dr. Yambah stressed that teacher motivation extends beyond the classroom, influencing the broader social fabric. Motivated teachers, he said, inspire students to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Teachers shall be known by their fruits,” he remarked, adding that a society that values and supports its teachers lays a strong foundation for progress and peace.
Stakeholders’ Role in Teacher Motivation
The retired educationist outlined five key stakeholders responsible for sustaining teacher motivation — government and policymakers, school administrators, parents and communities, students, and teachers themselves.
He urged the government to ensure adequate funding, competitive salaries, and policies that promote teacher autonomy and career growth.
School leaders, he said, should provide supportive supervision, constructive feedback, and recognition for outstanding performance.
He also appealed to parents and communities to show appreciation and respect for teachers, as their positive attitudes serve as intrinsic motivators.
“In the treatment of a dog, it is the owner that holds the head,” he said, stressing that communities have a shared responsibility in supporting educators.
On students’ role, Dr. Yambah observed that good conduct and eagerness to learn inspire teachers to give their best, while indiscipline and apathy can be discouraging.
Finally, he encouraged teachers to maintain self-motivation by engaging in professional growth, mentoring colleagues, and upholding passion for the profession.
“Unlike the police and the lawyer who are happy when people commit crime, or the doctor who is happy when people fall sick, the teacher is happy when more students pass their exams,” he noted.
Improving Working Conditions
Dr. Yambah further highlighted the need for adequate teaching resources and conducive working environments, noting that overcrowded classrooms, lack of materials, and excessive administrative tasks undermine teacher morale.
“No engineer or farmer can succeed without effective working tools,” he cautioned, calling for joint efforts by all stakeholders to improve the physical and psychological conditions of teachers.
Recommendations
To ensure sustained teacher motivation, Dr. Yambah recommended that stakeholders:
Offer competitive salaries and benefits.
Provide relevant professional development.
Recognize and reward exemplary teaching.
Create supportive work environments with manageable workloads.
Encourage parental and community involvement.
Promote teacher autonomy and participatory decision-making.
He concluded by urging cooperation among all education stakeholders to promote teacher motivation, describing it as a shared duty necessary for national transformation.
“When stakeholders work together, they create a positive feedback loop that sustains and enhances teacher motivation,” he said. “Together, we shall succeed.”
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