Retention and Attrition Factors of Private School Teachers in Education Service Contracting Program

Abstract

          Teacher retention and attrition remain pressing challenges in private schools, particularly those participating in the Education Service Contracting (ESC)in the Philippines. The province of Cavite, a highly urbanized area in Region IV-A CALABARZON, where numerous private schools benefit from ESC subsidies was the setting of the study. The research aimed to identify the motivators and hygiene factors influencing teacher retention and attrition based on Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory using a quantitative research design. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire distributed to licensed teachers in ESC-participating private secondary schools that had been part of the program for at least five years which were selected through purposive sampling to ensure that participants had relevant experience with the ESC program. The instrument measured teacher perceptions on job satisfaction, professional development, workload, work-life balance, compensation, supervision, and school culture. Results revealed moderate satisfaction across most factors, with the highest ratings in the impact on student learning (M = 3.51) under motivators, and teacher-school head relationships (M = 3.36) under hygiene factors. The lowest satisfaction was recorded in compensation and benefits (M = 2.94), indicating it as a major contributor to teacher attrition. A strong positive correlation was found between motivators and hygiene factors (r = .884, p = .000), suggesting their combined influence on teachers’ overall job satisfaction. The study concludes that while strong professional relationships and meaningful work experiences support teacher retention, inadequate compensation continues to drive attrition. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing compensation packages and implementing supportive policies to retain qualified teachers and sustain quality education in ESC-participating private schools in Cavite and similar contexts.