How Teacher Emotions and Motivation Shape Student Success

With Prof. Rebecca Lazarides

In this motivational end-of-term episode, Professor Rebecca Lazarides (Professor for Empirical Research on Instruction and Schools at the University of Potsdam, Germany) discusses what keeps teachers motivated - even when energy is running low. Rebecca shares insights from her work on teacher motivation, explaining how self-reflection, supportive colleagues, and celebrating small wins can help teachers stay positive. The conversation explores practical strategies for managing emotions, the importance of authentic enthusiasm, and how school environments shape motivation. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their successes and try new ideas, leaving them with a boost of encouragement as they head into a well-deserved break.

The podcast in bullet points:

• Teacher motivation and its impact on teaching quality.
• The distinction between enthusiasm for the subject and enthusiasm for teaching.
• The role of teacher emotions in classroom dynamics and student motivation.
• External factors affecting teacher motivation, such as school environment and job demands.
• Strategies for teachers to manage emotions and maintain motivation.
• The importance of strong student-teacher relationships in fostering motivation.
• Emotional regulation as a critical skill for teachers.
• The influence of self-efficacy on teacher motivation and performance.
• The significance of reflective practices in enhancing teacher motivation.
• The situational nature of teacher motivation and its variability across different teaching contexts.

The British Journal of Educational Psychology Special Edition is available on this link:

https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/20448279/2025/95/4