Motivation to longevity of mid-career private school teachers amidst turnover

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the motivation to longevity of mid-career basic education teachers in the private school amidst turnover. This study employed qualitative-phenomenological approach. In order to gather information-rich cases, purposeful sampling rather than random sampling was used. Participants for this study are chosen by criterion sampling. The criteria are as follows: they should be teachers who have taught for 8-23 years or the middle career teachers; (2) they should have rendered at least eight consecutive years in their current private school; and (3) they should be licensed professional teachers. Within the ranges of Creswell’s recommendation, the researchers interviewed for IDI seven participants from a basic education school and another five participants for the FGD from another sectarian institution situated in Davao City, Philippines. Ethical considerations were observed and the data gathered were analyzed thematically. Results revealed that their challenges as mid-career basic education teachers in the private school include finding balance in workloads, pupils’ behaviors and class preparation adjustments. Their coping mechanism is both personal and professional. Moreover, their experiences taught them that teaching is a rewarding profession despite its many challenges.