Faces, Changes, ad Places: Tracing the Journey of Master Language Educators

Abstract

Professional development like finishing graduate or post-graduate degrees is one of the key indicators of advancement in the practice of one’s profession. This research traced the lived experiences of Master Language Educators through their faces (characteristics), changes (transformation or improvement), and places (personal and professional promotions) using qualitative-narrative research design. All 14 alumni of the Master of Arts in Education major in English in 2019-2021 were taken as participants of the study using a homogenous sampling technique. Based on the results, the participants characterized themselves as more linguistically capable and highly strategic after completing their graduate program. They have developed confidence and practice time management and nurtured a critical eye for literature. As to their personal and professional promotions, they experienced more leadership opportunities, promotion and salary increases, and a variety of exposures in the field. Assigning of advisers while taking thesis writing and providing more writing sessions for thesis writing and offering more literature subjects as electives were their suggestions to improve the program. It is recommended that the significant findings of the study be used in revisiting the program, its course offerings, and the enhancement of the curriculum.