TEACHER COMPETENCY, MOTIVATION, AND PERFORMANCE: A STUDY ON THE MEDIATING ROLE OF MOTIVATION

Background: Teacher performance is crucial for student success and overall educational quality. However, many factors can influence teacher performance, including competency and motivation. Purpose: This study examines the impact of teacher competency on the performance of civil servant teachers at SMA Negeri 4 Kendari, and investigates the mediating role of motivation in this relationship. Design/methodology: A quantitative research design was employed. The population of the study consisted of all 71 civil servant teachers at SMA Negeri 4 Kendari. A saturated sample (census) was used, with all members of the population included in the sample. Data was collected through questionnaires, and the Partial Least Square (PLS) method was used for data analysis. Findings/Result: Teacher competency has a positive and significant effect on motivation. Motivation has a positive and significant effect on teacher performance. Teacher motivation plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between competency and teacher performance. Conclusion: Teacher competency and motivation are important factors that can influence teacher performance. Efforts to improve teacher competency and motivation can lead to enhanced teacher performance and overall educational quality. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between teacher competency, motivation, and performance, and highlights the importance of considering the mediating role of motivation in this relationship. The findings have implications for policymakers and educators seeking to improve teacher performance and educational outcomes.