Key Motivational Factors Affecting Teachers’ Long-Term Engagement in School Projects

The article discusses the factors that support the motivation of teachers to implement school projects. Based on Self-Determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 2000), we present specific factors that influence and stimulate the motivation of teachers with regard to the perception of autonomy or control. What is essential for autonomous motivation is the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence), whereas external incentives have an impact on controlled types of motivation. The results also point to important motivational factors underlying participation in school projects, that is, the perception of the personal significance and meaningfulness of the project.