Silent Struggles, Unseen Resilience: Uncovering the Emotional Lives of Retiring Teacher I Mathematics Educators

The purpose of this narrative study was to tell and retell the stories of retiring Teacher I mathematics educators, highlighting their experiences and challenges throughout their careers. This qualitative research employed narratology to gather data. The participants were five retiring Teacher I mathematics educators from Conel District, Division of City Schools in General Santos City. Data collection involved transcribing interviews, thoroughly reviewing transcripts, and extracting key statements. These statements were categorized into themes while minimizing researcher bias. Detailed narratives and summaries were created to highlight findings. Credibility was enhanced through expert reviews and participant validation, followed by final theme identification and data interpretation. Four central themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme, challenges of mathematics educators transitioning towards retirement, included financial uncertainty, health concerns, loss of routine, identity issues, emotional impact, social isolation, and future uncertainty. The second theme, coping mechanisms of mathematics educators transitioning towards retirement, comprised hobbies, travel, family support, social connections, spiritual growth, wellness, and self-care. The third theme, insights of mathematics educators transitioning towards retirement, included viewing retirement as a new chapter, teaching as a legacy, applying teaching values, prioritizing well-being, and continuing to make an impact. The fourth theme, future outlook of mathematics educators transitioning towards retirement, emphasized financial preparedness, lifelong learning, family relationships, community engagement, and personal growth as essential aspects of life after retirement. This study provided a deeper understanding of the personal and professional experiences of retiring Teacher I mathematics educators, offering implications for career planning, retirement preparation, and support systems for educators approaching retirement.