The Lived Experiences Of Teachers Assigned In Remote Elementary Schools

Authors: Jessa Hiloma Perdigon, Belen L. Dominguiano

Abstract: This study explored the lived experiences of teachers assigned to remote elementary schools, focusing on the challenges they face, the coping strategies they employ, the impact of these challenges on teaching and learning, the support provided by stakeholders, and the development of an intervention program to address their needs. Guided by five statements of the problem, the research aimed to describe the challenges encountered by teachers, examine how they cope, assess the effects on instructional quality and student outcomes, evaluate stakeholder support, and propose a structured program to address these concerns. Findings revealed that teachers in remote schools contend with recurring difficulties, including managing multigrade classrooms, scarcity of instructional materials, limited access to technology, and geographical isolation. These challenges negatively influence teaching quality and student learning outcomes, exacerbating educational inequities between remote and urban areas. Despite these obstacles, teachers exhibited resilience through improvisation, collaboration with peers and communities, and a strong commitment to their profession. Stakeholder support, though present, was often irregular and insufficient to fully mitigate systemic challenges. In response, the study proposed Project R.E.A.C.H. (Resilient Educators and Communities in High-Need Schools), a comprehensive intervention program designed to enhance teaching effectiveness, improve student outcomes, and ensure teacher protection. Through stakeholder collaboration, professional capacity building, infrastructure development, and wellness initiatives, R.E.A.C.H. aims to foster a safe, equitable, and high-quality learning environment for both teachers and students in remote elementary schools.

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