Abstract
This study delved into the challenges of educational managers in promoting sustainable development. Qualitative research methods were employed, with a focus on thematic analysis, to explore the challenges faced by school managers in Makilala, North Cotabato. Seventeen educational managers with five or more years of experience participated in individual interviews, conducted face-to-face using a custom interview guide questionnaire. The findings revealed five key areas where school managers encountered barriers and facilitators in promoting sustainable education: stakeholders’ engagement, (b) financial constraints, (c) institutional barriers, (d) teacher training and professional development, (e) resource and infrastructure. Additionally, two significant factors impacting sustainable education development emerged: (a) challenges of school leaders, (b) implementation of sustainable teaching methods. The study also identified four emerging themes related to the obstacles of sustainable education: (a) stakeholders’ engagement (b) clear policy framework, (c) administrative challenges, (d) competing educational priorities. The study emphasizes how difficult it is to promote sustainable development in educational settings and calls for more research into the specifics of dealing with these issues. Through shedding light on these intricacies, this research advances our comprehension of the terrain of sustainable education and prepares the ground for well-informed approaches to effectively address roadblocks and advance sustainable development. This, in turn, opens the door for well-informed tactics and cooperative endeavors to surmount these challenges and propel the cause of sustainable education.
Keywords: Educational Managers, Sustainable Development, Qualitative, Research, Thematic Analysis, Challenges