Navigating New Realms: A Phenomenological Comparison of Novice and Veteran Filipino Migrant Teachers


Authors : Michelle D. Macanlalay; Joy SB. Gaza

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mr478etm

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun938

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : This phenomenological study investigated the experiences of Filipino migrant teachers in American classrooms with two primary objectives: documenting the lived experiences of both novice and veteran Filipino teachers in the U.S. educational system and developing a community support platform tailored to their unique needs. Using a qualitative approach, the study engaged seven Filipino teachers through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, revealing significant challenges in cultural adaptation, classroom management, and professional development, with results demonstrating considerable cultural dissonance in classroom dynamics and student behavior management between novice teachers who struggled with immediate culture shock and veteran teachers who exhibited developed coping strategies. The findings emphasized how cultural discrepancies significantly impact workplace adjustment, leading to the development of a comprehensive Community Support Platform for Filipino Educators that provides assistance in four key areas: logistical support, cultural adaptation, professional development, and personal support.

Keywords : Filipino Migrant Teachers, Cultural Adaptation, Phenomenological Study, Teacher Experiences, Community Support Platform.

References :

  1. Real, D. V. C. & Flordeliz,N.A. (2024). Filipino teachers’ revelations in working abroad. Global Research in Higher Education, 7(3);18.
  2. Tantay, C., Monticillo, M., Mathew, L. & Derasin, C. (2024). Navigating the experience of DePED Teachers’ Decision to work abroad: A phenomenological study. Harbin Gongcheng Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Harbin Engineering University, 45; 67–72.
  3. Pacala, F. A. (2024). The Exodus of Filipino Teachers to Uzbekistan: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological study. Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia, 28(1).
  4. Victoria, J. V., Fernandez, S.O., Lucas-Go, M.L., Wei, X. & Cuvin, E. D. (2018). Filipino Teachers Experiences in Embracing Vision, Mission and Objectives of Foreign Schools. International Journal for Innovation and Research, 6(10); 41-52.
  5. Ulla, M.B. (2018). Benefits and challenges of doing research: Experiences from Philippine public school teachers. Issues in Educational Research, 28(3); 797-810.
  6. Rosales, R.R. (2024). Unheard voices of Filipino immigrant teachers in the United States [Doctoral dissertation, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center.
  7. Dempsey, R.L. (2024). The lived experiences of recruited immigrant Filipino educators working in U.S. public schools [Doctoral dissertation, Barry University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. (Publication No. 31334132)
  8. Peeler, E. & Jane, B. (2005). Mentoring: Immigrant teachers bridging professional practices. Teaching Education, 16(4); 325–336.
  9. Alendajao, M. J., Santos, R. L., & Cruz, J. P. (2024). Professional development programs for Filipino educators: Addressing cultural and pedagogical challenges. Psych Educ, 16(3), 340-348.
  10. Lowenhaupt, R. & Reeves,T. D. (2017). Changing demographics, changing practices: Teacher learning in new immigrant destinations. Journal of Professional Capital and Community, 2(1); 50-71.
  11. Xu, D. & Xu, Y. (2019). The promises and limits of online higher education: Understanding how distance education affects access, cost, and quality. American Enterprise Institute.
  12. Souto-Manning, M. & Emdin, C. (2020). On the harm inflicted by urban teacher education programs: Learning from the historical trauma experienced by teachers of color. Urban Education, 55(8-9); 1073-1104.
  13. Macapagogng, E. A., Geroso, M. J. & Maguate, G.S. (2023). Living and teaching internationally: Teachers' experiences, prospects, and challenges. International Journal of Scientific Research and Management, 11(9); 2882-2894.
  14. Modesto, O.P. (2020). A phenomenological study of Filipino immigrant teachers in South Texas. The Qualitative Report, 25(8); 3149-3162.
  15. Castillo, E.G. (2023). The lived experiences of Filipinx American teachers in the U.S.: A hermeneutic phenomenological study. Routledge.
  16. Diab, A. & Green, E. (2024). Cultivating resilience and success: Support systems for novice teachers in diverse contexts. Educ. Sci., 14(711).
  17. Smith, J.A., Flowers, P. & Larkin, M. (2009). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research. London: SAGE Publications.
  18. Dreyfus, H. L., & Dreyfus, S. E. (1986). Mind over machine: The power of human intuition and expertise in the era of the computer. Free Press.
  19. Achinstein, B., & Aguirre, J. (2022). Cultural Match or Culturally Suspect: How New Teachers of Color Negotiate Sociocultural Challenges in the Classroom. Teachers College Record, 110(8), 1505-1540.
  20. Huberman, M. (2022). The Professional Life Cycle of Teachers. Teachers College Record, 91(1), 31-57.
  21. Hargreaves, A., & Fullan, M. (2000). Mentoring in the New Millennium. Theory Into Practice, 39(1), 50–56.
  22. Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), 5-34.
  23. Giroux, H.A. (1992). Border crossings: Cultural workers and the politics of education. Routledge.
  24. Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

This phenomenological study investigated the experiences of Filipino migrant teachers in American classrooms with two primary objectives: documenting the lived experiences of both novice and veteran Filipino teachers in the U.S. educational system and developing a community support platform tailored to their unique needs. Using a qualitative approach, the study engaged seven Filipino teachers through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, revealing significant challenges in cultural adaptation, classroom management, and professional development, with results demonstrating considerable cultural dissonance in classroom dynamics and student behavior management between novice teachers who struggled with immediate culture shock and veteran teachers who exhibited developed coping strategies. The findings emphasized how cultural discrepancies significantly impact workplace adjustment, leading to the development of a comprehensive Community Support Platform for Filipino Educators that provides assistance in four key areas: logistical support, cultural adaptation, professional development, and personal support.

Keywords : Filipino Migrant Teachers, Cultural Adaptation, Phenomenological Study, Teacher Experiences, Community Support Platform.

CALL FOR PAPERS


Paper Submission Last Date
30 - June - 2025

Paper Review Notification
In 2-3 Days

Paper Publishing
In 2-3 Days

Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe