Influencing Factors in Pursuing Graduate Degree Program toward Teachers’ Quality of Life

Abstract

Teachers' pursuit of a master's degree is influenced by many factors, which can considerably affect their quality of life. This study examines these factors focusing on age, education, marital status, family income, job security, self-motivation, financial stability, and recognition, with a significant relationship between these factors and teachers' quality of life. Public elementary and secondary school teachers in Opol District of School Year 2023-2024 are the respondents of the study. A study involved two hundred (200) teacher-respondents, comprising one hundred seventeen (117) elementary and eighty-three (83) Junior and Senior High School teachers. It used Slovin's Formula to determine sample size; and statistical tools such as Pearson r correlation, mean scores, frequency and percentage, and standard deviation. The study found that self-motivation significantly impacts the quality of life of teachers, resulting in increased job security, financial stability, and job dedication. A master's degree empowers educators to become leaders, and mentors, thus influencing education. Empowerment strategies include professional development, praise, recognition, and collaborative decision-making. Further, the study recommends motivating teachers to go on professional development, praising their efforts, giving them recognition and respect, and encouraging collaborative decision-making processes. Moreover, the Department may provide leadership development programs that foster cooperative decision-making processes, incorporating professional growth and development for teachers.