Research article | Open Access
Base for Electronic Educational Sciences 2026, Vol. 7(1) 89-114
An Examination of Teacher Motivation in Rural Areas: The Case of Şanlıurfa Province
pp. 89 - 114
Publish Date: March 30, 2026 | Single/Total View: 1/3 | Single/Total Download: 1/3
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the professional motivation levels of classroom teachers working in rural areas and the factors affecting this motivation. Conducted in Şanlıurfa, one of the socioeconomically disadvantaged provinces of Türkiye, the study aims to reveal the professional experiences of teachers working in rural areas and the reflections of these experiences on their motivation. The study was carried out using a qualitative research approach. A semi-structured form consisting of 13 open-ended questions was prepared through Google Forms, and teachers’ sources of motivation at the individual, environmental, and institutional levels were examined. The findings indicate that the main factors negatively affecting teachers’ motivation include insufficient physical infrastructure, social isolation, limited access to resources, and heavy workload. On the other hand, love for students, professional idealism, and dedication emerge as strong intrinsic sources that help sustain teachers’ motivation.
In conclusion, the sustainability of the motivation of teachers working in rural areas depends not only on individual efforts but also on structural arrangements such as institutional support, improvement of living conditions, and strengthening professional recognition systems. The study reveals the necessity of restructuring rural education policies with flexible and inclusive approaches that take the local context into account.
Keywords: Classroom teacher, Equality of opportunity in education., Teacher motivation, Rural education;
APA 7th edition
Ertop, D., & Guven, B. (2026). An Examination of Teacher Motivation in Rural Areas: The Case of Şanlıurfa Province. Base for Electronic Educational Sciences, 7(1), 89-114.
Harvard
Ertop, D. and Guven, B. (2026). An Examination of Teacher Motivation in Rural Areas: The Case of Şanlıurfa Province. Base for Electronic Educational Sciences, 7(1), pp. 89-114.
Chicago 16th edition
Ertop, Dilan and Bulent Guven (2026). "An Examination of Teacher Motivation in Rural Areas: The Case of Şanlıurfa Province". Base for Electronic Educational Sciences 7 (1):89-114.
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