A discussion of work satisfaction, motivation, and commitment focuses on unique needs and issues in the profession of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching. The first chapter gives an overview of literature on the general subjects of work satisfaction, motivation, commitment, and closely related areas such as stress and burnout, including a discussion of research methodology. Chapter two summarizes the literature in these areas as they concern the teaching profession, and chapter three focuses on these areas of concern in ESL teaching, especially in the British and United States contexts. A consistency in results across several studies is found, pointing to the need to attend to rewards and cultivate professionalism in the field. The final chapter makes concrete recommendations for improvement in the structure of ESL work and motivational efforts directed at ESL teachers. Contains 174 references. (MSE)