Compelling Educators’ Needs: Graduate Studies Pursuits

Abstract

This study utilized descriptive survey design to explore several factors influencing teachers' decisions to pursue graduate studies that includes professional development, personal fulfillment, career advancement, family and peer influence, and educational attainment. All gathered data were analyzed using ANOVA as the researcher’s statistical tool. One hundred secondary school teachers from Apyao National High School and Kiburiao National High School in Quezon, Bukidnon were surveyed. The research aims to pinpoint if there are significant differences on their motivation to pursue graduate studies based on demographic variables of teachers such as age, civil status, gender, school last attended, years of service as a teacher, current position, and monthly income. Findings revealed that teachers were highly motivated to continue postgraduate studies, but their civil status affected their decision. Singles were motivated to pursue and finish graduate studies and prioritize career stability over the heavy responsibility of having a family compared to married teachers who prioritize responsibility to their family.