Engagement and Performance of Non-Teaching Personnel in Selected Elementary Schools in Cavite: Inputs to a Career Development Plan

Abstract

Non-teaching personnel play a vital role in ensuring the effective delivery of educational services through administrative, financial, technical, and operational support. Their responsibilities have become increasingly significant following the implementation of Department of Education (DepEd) policies transferring administrative functions from teachers to support personnel. This study examined the engagement and performance of non-teaching personnel in selected elementary schools in the CARSIGMA area of Cavite as the basis for a Career Development Plan. Specifically, it assessed employee engagement across ten dimensions, determined differences in respondents' assessments, examined the performance ratings of non-teaching personnel over three school years, established the relationship between engagement and performance, identified workplace challenges, and evaluated the acceptability of the proposed Career Development Plan. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 198 respondents, comprising one Public Schools District Supervisor, six school heads, and 191 teachers, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, weighted means, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson product-moment correlation. Results revealed that employee engagement was generally high, while non-teaching personnel consistently received performance ratings ranging from very satisfactory to outstanding. No significant differences were found among the three respondent groups' assessments across the engagement dimensions. Conversely, employee engagement showed a significant positive relationship with performance, indicating that higher engagement was associated with better organizational performance. Workload, communication, technological support, and career advancement emerged as the most frequently encountered concerns. The proposed Career Development Plan was rated highly acceptable by the respondents. The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening leadership support, professional development, transparent communication, and career progression opportunities to sustain employee engagement and organizational effectiveness in public elementary schools.