Authors :
Caitona, Mae Ann R.; Dr. Escarlos, Gladys; Fernandez, Shella Mae E.; Lobitaña, Khryzl Rose D.; Meanagua, Jezzarie T.; Pano, Rosemarie S.
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/yykyp2n3
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4m8dcz5v
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26may2165
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 study explored the lived experiences of teachers at Mahayahay Integrated School, a remote area in Conception, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Using a qualitative case study, data were collected through in-depth interviews with five purposely selected grade school teachers. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data and identify emerging themes. Findings revealed that teachers face significant environmental and instructional challenges, including difficult terrain, long travel distances, limited resources, and the complexity of managing multigrade classrooms. Despite these constraints, teachers maintain structured daily routines and demonstrate strong adaptability in their teaching practices. The study further found that these experiences do not diminish motivation; instead, they strengthen teachers’ commitment to the profession. Teachers develop resilience, flexibility, and patience while employing coping strategies such as time management, advance planning, and collaboration. Moreover, teachers attach meaningful interpretations to their experiences, viewing teaching as a fulfilling and purposeful vocation. Their experiences contribute to continuous professional growth, enhanced teaching competence, and a deeper sense of responsibility toward learners. The findings highlight that while teaching in remote contexts is physically and cognitively demanding, it also fosters resilience and strengthens professional identity. The study concludes that teachers' lived experiences are shaped by the interaction of environmental challenges and instructional demands, which ultimately promote both personal and professional development. These insights underscore the need for strengthened institutional support, targeted training, and improved resources to sustain teacher well-being and effectiveness in remote educational area.
Keywords :
Lived Experiences, Teachers in Remote Areas, Motivation to Teach, Professional Demands.
References :
- Agyapong, B., Obuobi-Donkor, G., Burback, L., & Wei, Y. (2022). Stress, burnout, anxiety and depression among teachers: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10706. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710706
- Albina, A. C., Salmorin, S. A., Cainos, D. N., & Montano, R. C. (2025). Navigating through difficult roads and terrains: Novice teachers' challenges in teaching in remote mountainous settings in the Philippines. The Rural Educator, 46(3), 72–92. https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/ruraleducator/vol46/iss3/7/
- Algones, C. J. L., Calizo, E. V., & Bauyot, M. M. (2024). Experiences of teachers teaching in far-flung areas of Division of Davao Del Norte: A phenomenological study. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(6), 2790–2802.
- Algones, J. R., Dela Cruz, M. P., & Fernandez, L. A. (2024). Resilience and coping strategies of teachers in geographically isolated schools in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Education and Teaching, 29(1), 45–62.
- Belonio, C. L., Navarez, L. L., & Juan, B. B. (2025). Teacher commitment and perceived challenges as predictors of well-being in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. e-Journals.ph. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=31629
- Beltman, S., Mansfield, C., & Price, A. (2016). Thriving not just surviving: A review of research on teacher resilience. Educational Research Review, 6, 185–207.
- Chen, J., & Lee, J. C.-K. (2022). Teacher resilience matters: A buffering and boosting effect between job driving factors and their well-being and job performance. Teachers and Teaching, 28(8), 890–907. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2022.2116574
- Cimagala, N. M., Santos, L. R., & Reyes, J. P. (2024). Coping mechanisms and teachers' innovative practices in distance learning. e-Journals.ph. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=20605
- Darling-Hammond, L., & Hyler, M. E. (2020). Preparing educators for the time of COVID and beyond. European Journal of Teacher Education, 43(4),457–465.https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2020.1816961
- Day, C., & Gu, Q. (2014). Resilient teachers, resilient schools. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/978131576060
- Department of Education. (2019, July 22). DepEd's Last Mile Schools Program to address gaps in isolated, disadvantaged areas.https://www.deped.gov.ph/2019/07/22/depeds-last-mile-schools-program-to-address-gaps-in-isolated-disadvantaged-areas/
- Flores, M. A., & Day, C. (2016). Contexts which shape and reshape new teachers’ identities: A multi-perspective study. Teaching and Teacher Education, 22(2), 219–232.
- Galut, A. M. (2025). Surviving in the trails: Teacher's lived experiences in remote areas. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40109565/
- Gu, Q., & Day, C. (2007). Teachers' resilience, a necessary condition for effectiveness. Teaching and Teacher Education, 23(8), 1302–1316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2006.06.005
- Hascher, T., Beltman, S., & Mansfield, C. (2021). Teacher wellbeing and resilience: Towards an integrative model. Educational Research, 63(4), 416–439. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131881.2021.1980416
- Hong, J. Y., & Lin, S. F. (2021). Reflective practice and teacher learning in professional development. Teaching and Teacher Education, 97, 103–112.
- Hong, W., & Lin, Q. (2021). Exploring the key influencing factors on teachers’ reflective practice skill for sustainable learning: A mixed methods study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), 10416. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910416
- Hudson, S., & Hudson, P. (2020). Mentoring for rural and remote teaching: A Australian study. Journal of Research in Rural Education.
- Kim, H., & Cho, Y. J. (2020). On the role of teachers’ professional identity and well-being in their professional development. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 2273. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02273
- Kim, J., & Cho, Y. (2020). Teacher identity development through professional experience: A systematic review. Educational Research Review, 31, 100–115.
- Klassen, R. M., & Chiu, M. M. (2017). Effects on teachers’ self-efficacy and job satisfaction: Teacher gender, years of experience, and job stress. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(3), 741–756.
- Li, M. (2023). Adaptive capacity and professional competence: Teachers' resilience in persistent stress environments. Journal of Educational Research.
- Li, S. (2023). The effect of teacher self-efficacy, teacher resilience, and emotion regulation on teacher burnout: A mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1185079. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1185079
- Mansfield, C. F., Beltman, S., Broadley, T., & Weatherby-Fell, N. (2016). Building resilience in teacher education: An evidenced informed framework. Teaching and Teacher Education, 54, 77–87.
- Mosquera, J., & Sayo, M. (2024). The extent of challenges encountered by non-resident teachers in remote schools. e-Journals.ph. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=28067
- OECD. (2019). TALIS 2018 results (Volume I): Teachers and school leaders as lifelong learners. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/1d0bc92a-en
- Omar, F., & Perez, M. (2023). School-based management challenges and coping strategies. Advances in Education and Social Sciences Studies. https://download.sdiarticle5.com/2023/June/16-Jun-23-2/2023_AJESS_101659/Ms_AJESS_101659.pdf
- Randwick. (2025). Voices of the far-flung areas: Experiences of teachers in remote communities. Randwick Research Journal of Educational Leadership and School Studies. https://www.randwickresearch.com/index.php/rielsj/article/view/1177
- Santos, A., & Reyes, M. (2025). Adaptability: Narratives of teachers handling combi classes. Cognizance Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 5(8).
- Santos, A., & Reyes, B. (2025). Challenges and resilience of teachers in remote schools in Bukidnon. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science.
- Schön, D. A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action. Basic Books.
- Skaalvik, E. M., & Skaalvik, S. (2018). Job demands and job resources as predictors of teacher motivation and well-being. Social Psychology of Education, 21(5), 1251–1275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-018-9464-8
- Smith, L., & Johnson, T. (2020). Professional isolation in rural teaching globally.
- Taga, M. (2024). Resilience in remote teaching: Exploring teachers' coping strategies. International Journal of Advanced Materials Research. http://ijeais.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IJAMR241031.pdf
- UNESCO. (2021). Training tools for curriculum development: A resource pack for multi-grade schools.
- UNESCO & Teacher Task Force. (2024). Global report on teachers: Addressing teacher shortages and transforming the profession. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000388832
- UNESCO. (2020). Global Education Monitoring Report 2020: Inclusion and education: All means all. UNESCO Publishing.
- UNESCO. (2021). Addressing the challenges of multigrade teaching. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://www.unesco.org
- UNESCO. (2021). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. UNESCO Publishing.
- UNESCO. (2021). Teachers in remote and rural areas: Challenges and support strategies. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
- Virginia Braun, V., & Victoria Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://dai.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
- Wang, Y. (2021). Building teachers' resilience: Practical applications for teacher education of China. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 738606. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.738606
- Wang, Y., & Zhao, J. (2023). Professional development needs of rural teachers: International analysis. Education Policy Analysis
- Wang, Y., & Zhao, L. (2023). Challenges and strategies in multigrade teaching: Implications for classroom management and differentiated instruction. International Journal of Educational Development, 98, 102742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2023.102742
- Wang, X., & Zhao, Y. (2023). Response and adaptation of farmers' livelihood transformation under the background of rural transformation: Evidence from the Qinling Mountains, China. Land, 12(8), 1546. https://doi.org/10.3390/land12081546
- Wang, Y., & Zhao, X. (2023). Instructional challenges and adaptive strategies in multigrade classrooms.
- Watt, H. M. G., & Richardson, P. W. (2017). Teacher motivation and persistence: What professional commitment means for teachers today. Teaching and Teacher Education, 65, 91–99.
- Yarrow, A., Ballantyne, R., Hansford, B., Herschell, P., & Millwater, J. (1999). Teaching in rural and remote schools: A face of self-exposure and professional challenge. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 9(1), 1–12.
- Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
This study explored the lived experiences of teachers at Mahayahay Integrated School, a remote area in Conception, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Using a qualitative case study, data were collected through in-depth interviews with five purposely selected grade school teachers. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data and identify emerging themes. Findings revealed that teachers face significant environmental and instructional challenges, including difficult terrain, long travel distances, limited resources, and the complexity of managing multigrade classrooms. Despite these constraints, teachers maintain structured daily routines and demonstrate strong adaptability in their teaching practices. The study further found that these experiences do not diminish motivation; instead, they strengthen teachers’ commitment to the profession. Teachers develop resilience, flexibility, and patience while employing coping strategies such as time management, advance planning, and collaboration. Moreover, teachers attach meaningful interpretations to their experiences, viewing teaching as a fulfilling and purposeful vocation. Their experiences contribute to continuous professional growth, enhanced teaching competence, and a deeper sense of responsibility toward learners. The findings highlight that while teaching in remote contexts is physically and cognitively demanding, it also fosters resilience and strengthens professional identity. The study concludes that teachers' lived experiences are shaped by the interaction of environmental challenges and instructional demands, which ultimately promote both personal and professional development. These insights underscore the need for strengthened institutional support, targeted training, and improved resources to sustain teacher well-being and effectiveness in remote educational area.
Keywords :
Lived Experiences, Teachers in Remote Areas, Motivation to Teach, Professional Demands.