THE INFLUENCE OF REWARDS, WORK MOTIVATION, AND TEACHER PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS IN KUBU BABUSSALAM

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of rewards, work motivation, and teacher professional competence on the performance of junior high school teachers in Kubu Babussalam District. The background of this study is based on the phenomenon of low motivation among some teachers, unclear reward systems, and variations in professional competence that impact the quality of teacher performance. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method. The research sample was all junior high school teachers in Kubu Babussalam District. The research instruments included questionnaires on rewards, work motivation, professional competence, and teacher performance. The results showed that rewards, work motivation, and teacher professional competence had a significant simultaneous effect on teacher performance. Partially, all three variables also showed a significant positive effect. These findings confirm that improving teacher performance requires a comprehensive managerial strategy through providing fair rewards, strengthening work motivation, and developing teacher professional competence on an ongoing basis. This research is expected to serve as a reference for schools and local governments in formulating policies to improve the quality of education.