Teachers around the world dedicate themselves to shaping students' futures, but what keeps educators motivated year after year?

Throughout their academic journey, students not only gain knowledge but also develop critical life skills such as problem-solving, communication, social interaction, time management and collaboration.

Teachers play an essential role in helping students understand topics and succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers serve as mentors, role models and sources of encouragement, guiding students toward their future careers.

Throughout Lexington County schools, there are a lot of longtime teachers committed to educating students.

Here are the longest-serving teachers in the area:

Lexington One: Margaret Tesh, a seventh-grade science teacher at Meadow Glen Middle School, has been teaching at Lexington One for 41 years.

Lexington Two: Starr Marie Belk, a learning disabilities resource teacher at Brookland-Cayce High School, has been teaching for 42 years.

Lexington Three: Debbie Taylor, an interventionist at Batesburg-Leesville Primary School, has been teaching for 46 years.

Lexington Four: Jane Ann Meredith, a teacher at Sandhills Primary School, has been teaching for 33 years.

Lexington-Richland Five: Wanda Pearson, a sixth-grade teacher at CrossRoads Intermediate, has been teaching for more than 40 years.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average years of teaching in South Carolina during the 2020-21 school year was 14.5. The study found that 12.7% of teachers had three or fewer years of experience, 25.6% had four to nine years of experience, 15.9% had 10 to 14 years and 45.8% had 15 or more years of experience in South Carolina.

The average in the United States was also 14.5 years.

A 2020 study by Orer found that teachers show strong commitment and self-sacrifice throughout their careers.

In a survey done by the National Education Association, teachers on average work 53 hours a week, which is seven more hours than the average working adult.

So, what motivates teachers to stay in their profession?

Research shows that recognition and a sense of mastery are motivators. Teachers who are recognized for their hard work are more likely to stay engaged and perform at their best. Additionally, when teachers see their efforts reflected in student growth and engagement, it reinforces their sense of purpose.

Teachers’ dedication is clear to students as well. A 2023 Education Week survey found that 81% of teens believe their teachers are motivated to help them succeed.

Educators often have a passion for teaching and are devoted to helping their students in any way they can. They have this ability to create connections and relationships with students, inspiring and motivating them to learn and grow.

According to researchers Pianta and Hambre, these strong teacher-student relationships help students become more self-resilient, willing to take risks and motivated to engage with their learning.

Schools ultimately cannot succeed without teachers, so retention is vital and often discussed. A research study conducted by Southern Connecticut State University found that teachers in schools with supportive, informative and encouraging leadership were more likely to express positive attitudes towards teaching.

This study also found that teacher retention increases when there is a culture of trust, openness and academic freedom. Giving teachers a voice and involving them in decision-making helps them feel heard. These decisions can involve student issues, curriculum standards, discipline policies and more.

Lastly, the study found that a training program can help teachers develop new skills, grow as leaders and even pursue administration positions if desired. Teachers can explore new opportunities within their schools rather than leaving the profession.