Assessment of Science Teacher Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Public Secondary Schools in Ondo State

This study assessed the level of motivation and job satisfaction among Science teachers in public secondary schools in Ondo State, Nigeria. Teacher motivation is widely regarded as a critical antecedent of instructional quality; in the Nigerian context, concerns about poor remuneration, infrastructural deficits, and professional marginalisation have raised questions about the sustainability of quality science teaching. A descriptive survey design was employed. The study population comprised all Science teachers in public secondary schools in Ondo State, and a sample of 220 teachers was selected using multistage sampling across the three senatorial districts. A standardised Teacher Motivation and Satisfaction Scale, adapted for the Nigerian context, was used as the main instrument. Reliability was established at 0.84. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square test, were used in data analysis. Findings showed moderate levels of job satisfaction overall, with high dissatisfaction concentrated in areas of salary adequacy, professional development opportunities, and school administration support. Intrinsic motivators, particularly passion for teaching and student success, emerged as dominant sources of motivation. The study recommended comprehensive salary reform, annual science teacher recognition schemes, and structured mentoring to sustain intrinsic motivation among experienced teachers. Keywords: teacher motivation, job satisfaction, science teachers, Ondo State, public secondary schools.