Compelling Educators' Needs: Graduate Studies Pursuits
Compelling Educators' Needs: Graduate Studies Pursuits
Compelling Educators' Needs: Graduate Studies Pursuits
The Philippine education realm has significantly With major educational reforms that have been adapted
undergone reforms in recent years with the implementation of by education here in our country, there is a necessity to
K-12. To address the short- and long-term problems that encourage teachers to be adequately equipped to achieve the
include unequal educational opportunities across different goal of imparting learning to their students. The need for
regions, poor infrastructure, and low teachers’ compensation, teachers to undergo continuous learning by enrolling in
the budget for education was raised by the government (Fitch graduate studies is essential to effectively influence students
Solutions Country Industry Reports, 2023). in many aspects. This study explores several factors
influencing teachers' decisions to pursue graduate studies
The COVID-19 pandemic brought several problems and including: career advancement, educational attainment,
challenges, including restrictions on face-to-face classroom family influence, professional development, and personal
setups and the suspension of classes due to health risks. In fulfillment.
response, the Department of Education (DepEd) implemented
the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP). Career advancement, the first factor that a teacher
While BE-LCP offered certain advantages, it also presented proceeds to graduate studies, is moving up a ladder in your
challenges that needed to be addressed. These included job. It means getting promotions, taking more
limited access to the internet, which hindered online learning; responsibilities, and climbing higher positions in your career.
limited knowledge among some teachers regarding the use of Career advancement in public and private differs accordingly.
technology; the need for parents to assist their children, In public universities, the analysis found that two factors,
especially in early grade levels, as they navigated online namely personality and organizational support, are
classes; and the requirement for senior high school track significant predictors of career advancement. In other words,
students to have face-to-face or hands-on sessions to learn the career progression of academics in public universities is
notably influenced by their personalities and the support they employees to confront the demands and challenges of their
receive from the organization they work for. On the other work. Organizations can take these factors into account and
hand, in private universities, factors such as personality, establish a suitable work environment to sustain or improve
social network, and organizational support are indicators that motivation, ultimately resulting in enhanced work
affect career advancement. (Maimunah Ismail et al. , 2012) performance. (Melissa Basa Lamug ,2005)
Educational attainment is another factor that a teacher Conducting a study about factors influencing educators
considers in pursuing graduate studies. According to Yvonne in pursuing graduate studies is crucial to the decision to enroll
B. Magsayo in his study about the influence of teacher’s in a graduate program, allocating resources effectively,
quality on student’s performance, there has been a significant preparing teachers for employment, and improving overall
relationship between the teacher’s educational attainment and education quality. This study addresses the realization and
student’s performance. It further stated that those students satisfaction of educators' needs that will benefit not only the
with a teacher with a completed Bachelor’s degree perform teachers but also the nation, community, educational
well in the National Achievement Test (NAT). institutions, and students.
Table 1 presents the age distribution of 100 secondary in younger age groups might indicate a recent influx of new
school teachers surveyed in Quezon, Maramag, Bukidnon. educators. This could be attributed to factors such as
The data reveals a concentration of teachers within the increased enrollment rates or government initiatives to
younger age brackets of 24-30, 31-37, and 38-44, each address teacher shortages (Ingersoll, R. M., & Smith, T. B.
comprising 25% of the sample. A concentration of teachers (2003).
Table 2 presents the frequency and percentage majority of participants (79%) are married, followed by
distribution of respondents based on their civil status. The single individuals (17%) and widowed/widowers (4%).
Table 3 shows that 79% of the respondents are female, workforce. Several studies have explored the implications of
while 21% are male. This implies the trends in the teaching gender imbalance in education. (UNESCO Institute for
profession, where women have historically dominated the Statistics (UIS), 2023)
Table 4 presents the distribution of teachers based on (27%), with a smaller proportion having 19-27 years (5%) or
their years of service. It shows that the majority of teachers 28-36 years (5%) of experience.
(63%) have 1-9 years of experience, followed by 10-18 years
The table presents the distribution of respondents based Teacher III (7% each). A small percentage hold positions
on their current positions within the educational institution. such as Master Teacher, Administrative Officer, and Sub
The majority (82%) are Teacher I, followed by Teacher II and Teachers.
The table presents the frequency and percentage and Php 30,000 per month. A smaller proportion earns
distribution of respondents based on their monthly income. between Php 30,001 and Php 40,000 (6%), Php 40,001 and
The majority (79%) of respondents earn between Php 20,000 Php 50,000 (14%), and above Php 50,000 (1%).
Table 7 presents the mean scores and standard Engagement in Teacher Professional Development and
deviations for items related to career advancement as a Career Advancement: A Case Study of Lithuania", career is
motivation for pursuing graduate studies. The high mean one of key factors that influence teachers' motivation and
scores (ranging from 4.47 to 4.61) and low standard engagement. Specifically, the "Career" component focuses
deviations indicate a strong agreement among respondents on providing comprehensive career counseling and guidance
that career advancement is a significant motivation. The data for STEM educators, covering both vertical and horizontal
suggests that career advancement is a highly valued career paths. The study highlights that offering thorough
motivation for pursuing graduate studies among the surveyed career development support and opportunities for
teachers. The items consistently indicate a strong belief that advancement can be a significant motivating factor for
graduate studies will enhance job opportunities, lead to teachers to pursue graduate studies and professional
promotions, and provide a competitive edge in the job market. development. (Anita J., et al. 2024)
According to a study "STEM Teachers' Motivation and
Table 8 presents the mean scores and standard seeking graduate studies. These results highlight the
deviations for items related to educational attainment as a importance of providing opportunities for teachers to advance
motivation for pursuing graduate studies. The high mean their education and achieve higher qualifications. A study
scores (ranging from 4.62 to 4.70) and low standard examined academic motivation among graduate nursing
deviations indicate a strong agreement among respondents students in Egypt and found that intrinsic motivation,
that educational attainment is a significant motivation. The including a strong desire for personal growth and knowledge
findings of this table align with existing research, indicating acquisition, was a primary driver for pursuing advanced
that educational attainment is a strong motivator for teachers education. (Mona et al., 2024)
Table 9 presents the mean scores and standard pursue graduate studies. Respondents reported strong
deviations for items related to family influence as a support, encouragement, and inspiration from family
motivation for pursuing graduate studies. The high mean members. This indicates that family expectations and values
scores (ranging from 4.24 to 4.52) and relatively low standard regarding education have a considerable impact on teachers'
deviations indicate a strong influence of family on the career aspirations. A study of Dan Liu (2015) shows that
decision to pursue graduate studies. The data suggests that families have guided the important decision-making stage of
family plays a significant role in motivating teachers to students about post graduate education.
Table 10 presents the mean scores and standard valued motivation for pursuing graduate studies among the
deviations for items related to professional development as a surveyed teachers. Respondents strongly believe that
motivation for pursuing graduate studies. The high mean graduate studies will provide opportunities for continuous
scores (ranging from 4.49 to 4.66) and relatively low standard learning, skill enhancement, and exposure to the latest trends
deviations indicate a strong agreement among respondents and research in their field. A study of Rose Arceño (2018) ,
that professional development is a significant motivation. The states that advanced education will enhance professional
data suggests that professional development is a highly development thus improving quality of profession.
studies.
I feel a sense of accomplishment if I complete my graduate 4.57 0.73 Highly Agree
studies.
OVERALL 4.54 0.75 Highly Agree
Table 11 presents the mean scores and standard motivation for pursuing graduate studies among the surveyed
deviations for items related to personal fulfillment as a teachers. Respondents strongly associate graduate studies
motivation for pursuing graduate studies. The high mean with feelings of satisfaction, accomplishment, and
scores (ranging from 4.45 to 4.59) and relatively low standard intellectual growth. Templeton (2016) noted that intrinsic
deviations indicate a strong agreement among respondents motivation, like personal fulfillment is considered a dominant
that personal fulfillment is a significant motivation. The data factor in the stimulation of adult students continuing
suggests that personal fulfillment is a highly valued postgraduate education
Table 12 presents the results of a one-way ANOVA influencing teachers' motivation to pursue graduate studies
conducted to determine if there are significant differences in based on the examined factors. This suggests that teachers
motivation levels for pursuing graduate studies based on age. across different age groups have similar priorities and
aspirations regarding advanced education.
Findings revealed that the motivation level of teachers
in pursuing graduate studies based on their age has no The research results indicate that teachers, regardless of
significant differences. The F-values for all motivational their age, have similar motivations for pursuing graduate
factors (Educational Attainment, Career Advancement, studies. A study by Templeton (2016) examined the
Family Influence, Professional Development, and Personal motivation levels of teachers in pursuing graduate studies
Fulfillment) are less than the critical F-value (indicated by the based on their age. The findings revealed that the motivation
p-values greater than 0.05), suggesting that there are no level of teachers in pursuing graduate studies based on their
significant differences in motivation levels across age groups. age has no significant differences
The results indicate that age is not a significant factor
Table13 presents the results of a one-way ANOVA aspirations regarding advanced education. The study shows
conducted to determine if there are significant differences in that teachers' motivations for pursuing graduate studies differ
motivation levels for pursuing graduate studies based on civil based on their civil status. For example, single individuals
status. might prioritize personal fulfillment and career advancement,
while married individuals may focus more on educational
There are significant differences in motivation related to attainment to support their families.
educational attainment (p = 0.024), career advancement (p =
0.046), professional development (p = 0.028), and personal A study titled “Understanding Graduate Student
fulfillment (p = 0.014) between different civil status groups, Parents: Influence of Parental Status, Gender, and Major on
but no significant difference in family influence motivation Graduate Students’ Motivation, Stress, and Satisfaction” that
(p = 0.170). was conducted with set of factorial ANOVAs revealed
significant variations in motivation between graduate
The results indicate that civil status is significantly students who are parents and those who are not. These results
related to motivation for pursuing graduate studies in terms underscore the critical need for tailored support and resources
of educational attainment, career advancement, professional for graduate students based on their parental status. (Jean Yoo
development, and personal fulfillment. This suggests that et al., 2022)
different civil status groups have varying priorities and
Table 14: Independent Samples t-test for Gender Differences in Motivational Factors
Independent Samples Test (Gender)
Levene's Test for Equality of Variances Mean Std. Error 95% Confidence
Difference Difference Interval of the
Difference
Lower Upper
Educational Equal variances assumed 0.10 0.75 -0.29 0.69 -1.67 1.09
Attainment
Equal variances not assumed -0.29 0.65 -1.64 1.06
Career Equal variances assumed 0.08 0.78 -1.33 0.84 -3.01 0.35
Advancement
Equal variances not assumed -1.33 0.85 -3.09 0.43
Family Equal variances assumed 1.49 0.23 -1.03 0.90 -2.82 0.77
Influence
Equal variances not assumed -1.03 0.81 -2.69 0.64
Professional Equal variances assumed 2.35 0.13 -1.12 0.78 -2.67 0.41
Development
Equal variances not assumed -1.13 0.96 -3.13 0.88
Personal Equal variances assumed 0.12 0.73 -0.87 0.87 -2.61 0.86
Fulfillment
Equal variances not assumed -0.87 0.88 -2.70 0.96
Table 14 presents the results of independent samples t- A study of Hermundur (2020) suggests that gender does not
tests comparing the mean scores of motivational factors significantly influence the levels of various motivational
(Educational Attainment, Career Advancement, Family factors, such as those related to educational attainment, career
Influence, Professional Development, and Personal advancement, and personal fulfillment.
Fulfillment) between male and female teachers.
Table 15 presents the results of a one-way ANOVA The results indicate that years of service do not appear
conducted to determine if there are significant differences in to be a significant factor influencing teachers' motivation to
motivation levels for pursuing graduate studies based on pursue graduate studies based on the examined factors. This
years of service. suggests that teachers with varying levels of experience
have similar priorities and aspirations regarding advanced
Findings revealed that there is no significance when it education. A meta-synthesis reviewed 118 studies on
comes to the number of services the teacher has already doctoral student attrition and persistence. The authors found
rendered. The F-values for all motivational factors that factors such as financial support, advisor relationships,
(Educational Attainment, Career Advancement, Family and personal/family circumstances were more influential on
Influence, Professional Development, and Personal doctoral student motivation and persistence than
Fulfillment) are less than the critical F-value (indicated by the demographic characteristics like age or years of work
p-values greater than 0.05), suggesting that there are no experience and the number of years in service is not included.
significant differences in motivation levels across different (Bair, C., & Haworth, J., 2004)
years of service groups.
Table 16 presents the results of a one-way ANOVA Findings revealed that there are no significant
conducted to determine if there are significant differences in differences based on the teachers’ current job. The F-values
motivation levels for pursuing graduate studies based on for all motivational factors (Educational Attainment, Career
current position. Advancement, Family Influence, Professional Development,
and Personal Fulfillment) are less than the critical F-value
(indicated by the p-values greater than 0.05), suggesting that
there are no significant differences in motivation levels across suggests that teachers in different positions have similar
different current positions. priorities and aspirations regarding advanced education. Bair
and Haworth (2004) noted in their study that employment
The results indicate that current position does not appear status, whether the student was employed full-time, part-time,
to be a significant factor influencing teachers' motivation to or not at all, did not appear to be a significant factor in degree
pursue graduate studies based on the examined factors. This completion.
Table 17 presents the results of a one-way ANOVA reimbursement programs, and salary increases or bonuses
conducted to determine if there are significant differences in upon completing a graduate degree. This support is
motivation levels for pursuing graduate studies based on particularly important for teachers who face financial
monthly income. constraints, such as those who are married. Additionally,
access to graduate programs should be improved by
Findings revealed that there are no significant establishing satellite campuses, offering online or distance
differences when it comes to the teacher's monthly income. learning options, and scheduling classes during evenings,
The F-values for all motivational factors (Educational weekends, or summers. These strategies can significantly
Attainment, Career Advancement, Family Influence, increase participation and create a supportive environment
Professional Development, and Personal Fulfillment) are that empowers teachers to further their education, ultimately
less than the critical F-value (indicated by the p-values enhancing the quality of education for students.
greater than 0.05), suggesting that there are no significant
differences in motivation levels across different income REFERENCES
groups.
[1]. Fitch Solutions Country Industry Reports, Education
The results indicate that monthly income does not Sector Overview, 2023.
appear to be a significant factor influencing teachers' [2]. Sabacajan, B. T., Basic Education Learning
motivation to pursue graduate studies based on the examined Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) Implementation:
factors. This suggests that teachers with different income Challenges and Opportunities, 2023.
levels have similar priorities and aspirations regarding [3]. DepEd Order #42, National Adoption and
advanced education. The researchers of a study titled Implementation of the Philippine Professional
“Improving community college completion rates by Standards for Teachers, Series of 2017.
addressing structural and motivational barriers” determined [4]. DepEd Order No. 007, New Hiring Guidelines for
that there was no statistically significant correlation between Teacher Applicants, Series of 2017
monthly income and the motivation of students to continue [5]. Juškevičienė, A., Jevsikova, T., Stupurienė, G.,
their studies towards a graduate degree (Levesque 2018). Vinikienė, L. (2024). STEM Teachers’ Motivation and
Engagement in Teacher Professional Development
IV. RECOMMENDATION and Career Advancement: A Case Study of Lithuania.
MDPI AG.
Based on the findings of this study, the following [6]. El-Sayed, M. M., AbdElhay, E. S., Hawash, M. M., &
recommendations are proposed to support teachers in Taha, S. M. (2024). Understanding the relationship of
pursuing graduate studies. First, it is crucial for educational academic motivation and social support in graduate
institutions and policymakers to provide financial assistance nursing education in Egypt. BMC Nursing.
and incentives, such as scholarships, grants, tuition