The problem among teacher retention is an issue as the annual teacher turnover rate in several countries is between 13-15%. With the increase in teachers selecting alternative paths or emergency permits, this study aimed to explore the motivational factors of traditionally trained, first-year, full-time, K-12 public teachers. The education motivational research specifically focused on preservice experience, early teacher experience, teacher motivation approaches, and recruitment and retention motivation. Although there is a lot of research on motivation, the research gap did not provide motivational factors specifically aimed at the traditionally trained, first-year, full-time, K-12 public teachers. The study contributed to the field of education by providing the motivational factors from the teachers' own experiences through a basic qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the motivational factors traditionally trained, first-year, full-time, K-12 public school teachers. The theoretical framework for the study was Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory. The population for this study consisted of 10 traditionally trained, full-time K-12 public school teachers. Using thematic analysis, four motivational factor themes emerged: affirmation, support, job selection, and pandemic impact. The teachers were motivated by affirmation, acknowledgement of their conscientious application to the profession and knowing they were making a difference among their students. The teachers were motivated by support through having balance and opportunities for professional growth. The teachers were motivated by the ability to select the position and school district. On the opposite spectrum, the pandemic impact motivated teachers in making the decision to return to the classroom the following year. The study includes the COVID-19 restrictions, specifically the interviews being conducted virtually. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]