Introjected Regulation in Teachers’ Professional Development Motivations

Abstract

This article examines how teachers’ professional development motivations are affected by introjected regulation. A theoretical thematic analysis of teacher interview and survey open response data is conducted, exploring the extent to which teachers perceive themselves to be motivated by factors such as self-esteem and the regard of others. Findings suggest that introjected regulation represents a potent yet complex motivator for working teachers in respect to their professional development. Given the extensive use of introjected regulation in the performative environment in which many teachers work, these findings thus have real contemporary relevance.