Institutional Commitment: Motivation Perspective of Teachers in Private Schools

This phenomenological study explored the motivational perspectives and challenges influencing teachers' decisions to remain in a private school in Toril, Davao City. Nine (9) teacher-participants with at least ten (10) years of service participated in the research. Through thematic analysis, key motivational themes emerged namely positive work environment, competitive salary and benefits, and student impact and teaching legacy. These factors cultivated teacher loyalty and sustained commitment to the institution. However, challenges threatened retention, including excessive workloads and high parental expectations, which often led to burnout and undermined the very motivations that initially fostered commitment. The findings underscored that while loyalty is strong, study revealed its vulnerability to the cumulative strain of unaddressed challenges. To address these issues, the study recommended enhancing compensation and benefits and reducing administrative tasks of teachers in the private school to improve work-life balance. The findings highlighted the critical need for systemic support through fair policies, professional development opportunities, and stronger school-parent communication frameworks. Ignoring these findings risks exacerbating teacher turnover and destabilizing the educational environment. By implementing these measures, private schools can transform teacher satisfaction from occasional benefits into a sustainable, institutionalized practice, ensuring long-term retention and a more stable learning environment for both educators and students.