Endings and Legacies: A Mixed Methods Inquiry into the Lived Experiences of Retirable Teachers at Tagum Sur National High School

This research proposal presents a mixed methods study exploring the lived experiences, job satisfaction, well-being, and retirement preparedness of four retirable teachers at Tagum Sur National High School. By combining in-depth qualitative interviews with a structured quantitative survey, the study aims to uncover the emotional, professional, and psychological dimensions of the teachers' transition into retirement. Grounded in Erikson’s psychosocial theory and supported by current literature, the research seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of teacher legacy, institutional support, and retirement readiness within a rural Philippine context. The findings are expected to inform school-based policies, recognition programs, and future research in education and human resource development. Keywords: retirement, teachers, lived experience, mixed methods, education, job satisfaction, well-being, Philippines, Erikson theory, qualitative research, quantitative survey, rural schools, public education, teacher legacy, phenomenology, transition, work-life, DepEd, end-of-career, school leadership