This research addressed three questions about the rewards of teaching: (1) how do teachers describe intrinsically rewarding teaching experiences; (2) how do the rewards of teaching relate to teachers' perceptions of the teaching activity; and (3) how does enjoyment of teaching relate to student achievement. Thirty elementary school teachers were observed and interviewed. Selected quotations from interviews provide insights into sources of teachers' satisfaction with their work as well as factors that distract or disturb them. Teachers enjoyed their work most when their interactions with students gave them a feeling of competency in dealing with the demands of the teaching activity. Findings indicate that teacher enjoyment varies with the type of intrinsic reward considered most important, and with their attitudes towards the subject they are teaching. There was a positive correlation between teacher enjoyment and student achievement. (JD)