ABSTRACT
TESOLers all want to have a lot of motivation. But why? How? What forces push us along throughout our careers as TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) professionals? And how does that motivation work to guide us along our career paths? Why do we decide to become TESOL professionals in the first place; and what sustains us over time? How hard are we willing to work to pursue our professional work? Of course, as is the case for all aspects of our work, we are an international professional group; TESOLers worldwide aren't the same. Within any group – international, national, regional, or local – teachers vary and so does their motivation. But it seems to me, on the basis of my own experience and that of others in many countries where I've been fortunate enough to work with many TESOL professionals, our motivation plays a significant role in determining what professional choices we make.
