Factors that affect Japanese English teachers self-esteem

This study aimed to find out the factors that support Japanese English teachers self-esteem. A total of 257 Japanese English teachers participated and their self-esteem, burnout, confidence in teaching in general (CT) and confidence in English skills and knowledge (CE) were measured. The results showed that CE affected their self-esteem more than CT, and confidence in speaking, vocabulary and grammar knowledge predicted their self-esteem. However, speaking and vocabulary were the last two items they were confident in, which means their confident items and their self-esteem related items showed the total reverse. Teachers in 40s and 50s had confidence in grammar and reading, and these predicted their self-esteem, which seemed to support their self-esteem. The result indicated that teachers who have confidence in speaking can maintain their self-esteem the highest, except for teachers in 20s, and building vocabulary and enrich grammar knowledge also help them maintain their self-esteem. Intensive reading could be the key factor to build up their vocabulary, grammar knowledge and foundation of aural communication skills.</br></br> Key Words: self-esteem, non-native English teachers, confidence, English skills