Career Plateauing in Public Elementary School Teachers in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA)

Aim: Career plateauing is a significant concern among employees, particularly those in professions with limited upward mobility.This study examined the extent of career plateauing and the contributing factors among public elementary school teachers in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) schools in the Tboli West District, Schools Division of South Cotabato.Methodology: This study was a quantitative in approach.Specifically, the descriptive-correlational method is used to provide a thorough understanding of the phenomenon and to examine the relationship between the extent of career plateauing among public elementary school teachers in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.Results: Findings revealed that the majority of teachers were aged 27-30 (42%) and predominantly female (88%), with most being married (70%).Career plateauing was found to be moderate across dimensions, with position plateau (M = 2.71, SD = 0.97) and contribution plateau (M = 2.75, SD = 0.93) showing similar trends.The overall extent of career plateauing was also moderate (M = 2.73, SD = 0.95).Contributing factors, both individual (M = 2.96, SD = 0.97) and organizational (M = 3.02, SD = 1.00), were similarly rated at a moderate level.Statistical analyses showed significant relationships between career plateauing and demographic factors, with age ( = 45.16,p = .000),sex ( = 40.97,p = .000),and civil status ( = 10.88,p = .001)all playing a role.A moderate, significant correlation (r = .612,p = .000)was found between career plateauing and its contributing factors. Conclusion:From the findings, the study underscores the need for professional development programs and institutional policies to mitigate career stagnation and support teachers' career growth in GIDA schools.