Stories of Elementary Teachers Assigned in Remote Schools

Authors

  • April Jean D. Salazar Eastern Samar State University
  • Roxanne A. Ogale Eastern Samar State University
  • Daisyvic A. De Leon Eastern Samar State University
  • Irish Catherine D. Llego Eastern Samar State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i6.108

Keywords:

Remote School Experiences, Elementary Teachers, Challenges in Remote Teaching, Coping Strategies, Isolated Areas

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of elementary teachers assigned to remote schools in Eastern Samar. Using purposive sampling, four teachers with firsthand experience in geographically isolated areas participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed through Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework to identify recurring patterns and meanings within participants’ narratives. Findings revealed that teachers encountered significant challenges, including limited resources, difficult transportation, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, participants demonstrated resilience through adaptive teaching strategies, strong commitment to their profession, and effective coping mechanisms. Support from communities, colleagues, and personal motivation played a vital role in sustaining their well-being and teaching effectiveness. The study highlights the need for strengthened institutional support and targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes in remote school environments.

References

Adie, L., & Barton, G. (2020). Urban pre service teachers’ conceptions of teaching in rural communities. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 37(6). https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2012v37n6.7

Alegre, E. M., & Labajo, J. K. M. (2023). The impact of work stress on the psychological well-being of public elementary school teachers. International Journal of Membrane Science and Technology, 10(2), 719–727. https://doi.org/10.15379/ijmst.v10i2.1305

Algones, J., Dizon, R., & Zamora, P. (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. https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.806212

Al-Shuaibi, A. (2014). The importance of education. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260075970_The_Importance_of_Education

Aquino, L. (2019). In far-flung areas of Samar, teachers are modern-day heroes. Rappler: Philippine & World News. https://www.rappler.com/moveph/241837-far- flung-areas-Samar teachers-modern-day-heroes/

Barcena, N. G. P. (2018). Feature: Learning insights on the work and life of a teacher. Philippine Information Agency. http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1006534

Bissessar, C. (2022). The role of virtual community of practice in alleviating social and professional isolation during emergency remote teaching. Equity in Education & Society, 1(1), 114–125. https://doi.org/10.1177/27526461211068512

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Cajayon, R. B. (2023). Community involvement and teacher resilience in remote Philippine schools. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 4(6), 1861–1874. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.04.06.38

Caraan, M., Reyes, T., & Santos, L. (2022). Challenges experienced by teachers teaching in remote areas in the new normal. International Journal of Recent Research in Thesis and Dissertation, 3(1), 46–53. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6497327

Challenges of basic education in far-flung areas. (2017, January 11). Sun Star Pampanga.https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/sunstarpampanga/20170111/281659664728248?srsltid=AfmBOopj203BcfujLvdLT7wGg8JM2pociw6j1iCWlGs2Hx8uUMG-CDDc

Claridades, D. C. (2022). Living and teaching in island schools: Designing contextualized strategies for Filipino teachers. The Normal Lights, 16(2), 120–145.https://po.pnuresearchportal.org/ejournal/index.php/normallights/article/view/2155

Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Sage Publications. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=bttwENORfhgC

David, C. C., Albert, J. R. G., & Vizmanos, J. F. V. (2019). Pressures on public school teachers and implications on quality. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidspn1901.pdf

Dirsa, H., Mendoza, R., & Salazar, J. (2022). Teacher role as professional educator in school environment. International Journal of Science Education and Cultural Studies, 1(1), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.58291/ijsecs.v1i1.25

Dovetail Editorial Team. (2023, February 5). What is purposive sampling? Dovetail. https://dovetail.com/research/purposive-sampling/

Duran, A., Pontillas, P., & Comon, J. (2024). Teachers’ work-life balance and well-being across Opol East District, Division of Misamis Oriental. European Modern Studies Journal, 8(4), 134–166. http://dx.doi.org/10.59573/emsj.8(4).2024.9

Fabrigas, E. J. A., & Paglinawan, J. L. (2025). Beyond the classroom: Challenges and resilience of teachers in remote schools. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(4). https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400464

Francisco, C. D., Timbol, C. E., Jimenez, R. S., Labay, M. S., Manangu, L. D., Puno, J., Rojo, M. V., Vidal, J. C., & Valcos, E. G. (2020). Sailing against the waves: Challenges and coping mechanisms of teachers assigned in a coastal school. International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 4(10), 20–26. http://ijeais.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IJAMR201006.pdf

Gall, M. D., Gall, J. P., & Borg, W. R. (2007). Educational research: An introduction (8th ed.). Pearson Education. https://www.pearson.com/store/p/educational-research-an-introduction/P100000624640

Galut, M. N. (2025). Surviving in the trails: Teacher’s lived experiences in remote areas. Frontiers in Sociology. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2025.1456269

Gross, K. (2017). Mathematics for pre-service elementary (K–5) teacher education. University of Vermont. https://www.sbctc.edu/resources/documents/colleges-staff/programs-services/math/pre-service-elem-ed-teacher-ed.pdf

Gu, Q., & Day, C. (2022). Teachers’ resilience: A necessary condition for effectiveness. Teaching and Teacher Education, 23(8), 1302–1316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2006.06.006

Gultom, S., Hutauruk, A. F., & Ginting, A. M. (2021). Teaching skills of teacher in increasing student learning interest. Budapest International Research and Critics Institute Journal (BIRCI Journal), 3(3), 1086. https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v3i3.1086

Hobfoll, S. E. (1989). Conservation of resources: A new attempt at conceptualizing stress. The American Psychologist, 44(3), 513–524.

Ingersoll, R. (2021). Teacher turnover, teacher shortages, and the organization of schools. Washington, DC: Consortium for Policy Research in Education.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. (2024). Experiences of teachers teaching in far-flung areas of the Division of Davao del Norte: A phenomenological study. https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.806212

Javilla, M. A., & Fabella, F. E. (2019). Lived-experiences of mobile teachers in remote schools in Antipolo City. SSRN. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3516399

Jennings, G. R. (2005). Interviewing: A focus on qualitative techniques. In B. W. Ritchie, P. Burns, & C. Palmer (Eds.), Tourism research methods: Integrating theory with practice (pp. 99–118). CABI Publishing.

Kyriacou, C. (2020). Teacher stress: Directions for future research. Educational Review, 53(1), 27–35.

Kutoane, M., Bopape, M., & Ndhlovu, M. (2021). Interventions for managing professional isolation among health professionals in low resource environments: A scoping review. Health Science Reports. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.361

Leach, M., & Bradbury, M. (2025). Teaching in Australian rural and remote locations: Thriving in practice and place. Australian Educational Researcher. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-025-00877-7

Leocadio, M. (2023). Life of teachers in far-flung areas. Gurupress Cordillera. https://www.gurupress-cordillera.com/post/life-of-teachers-in-far-flung-areas

Lin, Q. (2024). From isolation to collaboration: Research on strategies to improve teacher loneliness in primary and secondary schools. International Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Science. https://doi.org/10.54922/IJEHSS.2024.0861

Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage Publications.

Llego, M. (2019). Working hours of public school teachers. TeachersPH. https://www.teacherph.com/working-hours/2019

Luluk, A. S., & Aprillia, F. D. G. A. (2024). Targeting educational quality: The role of educator management transformation in enhancing services. Business and Management Journal, 2(1), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.61987/bamj.v2i1.543

MacDonald, M., & Weller, K. (2017). Redefining our roles as teachers, learners, and leaders through continuous cycles of practitioner inquiry. The New Educator, 13(2), 137–147. https://doi.org/10.1080/1547688X.2016.1144121

Mhlanga, E., & Moloi, T. (2020). Digital disconnection in rural South African schools: The role of infrastructure and teacher preparedness. Education and Information Technologies, 25, 5165–5182. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy

Morallo, M. B., & Abay, J. R. (2019). Gaps on quality teaching: Assessing teachers’ needs towards the creation of a framework for an extension program on teachers’ professional development. IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 1(1), 1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.54476/iimrj396

Nawi, N. S. M., & Muhmad Nor, N. A. A. (2023). The challenges in the teaching of English literature: A systematic review. Journey Journal of English Language and Pedagogy, 6(1), 130–147. http://dx.doi.org/10.33503/journey.v6i1.2640

Nguyen, H. T. M., Bui, N. A., Ngo, N. T. H., & Luong, T. Q. (2024). Surviving and thriving: Voices from teachers in remote and disadvantaged regions of Vietnam. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2024.2336246

Orale, R. L., & Quejada, A. B. (2018). Lived experiences of elementary teachers in a remote school in Samar, Philippines. Journal of Academic Research, 3(3), 1–13. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327232303

Patrick, S. K., & Guthrie, J. E. (2020). Professionally isolated teachers in Tennessee’s rural schools: Professional learning experiences, improvement trajectories, and labor market decisions. Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness. https://www.sree.org/assets/conferences/2020s/abstract/paper/183_identified.pdf

Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Sage Publications. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=FjBwQgAACAAJ

Preston, B., & Roberts, P. (2021). Preparing teachers for rural and remote schools: Lessons from teacher education programs. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 31(1), 24–40. https://journal.spera.asn.au/index.php/AIJRE/article/view/290

Quino, M. J., & Villocino, R. (2024). Come hell or high water: Teaching in far-flung schools from the narratives of elementary teachers. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education, 10(4), 521–535. https://ijariie.com/FormDetails.aspx?MenuScriptId=223391&srsltid=AfmBOoplOyL0NLNNTGA_4z3-p1PUQVzOUy8_tVyU0FH5EQh6eIOKtcba

Regalado, P. M. (2020). The reality of Philippine education: A photovoice participatory action research. International Forum Journal, 23(2), 22–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.63201/SHSL6545

Shikalepo, E. E. (2020). Challenges facing teaching at rural schools: A review of related literature. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 4(5), 215–220. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341787476

Stahl, N. A., & King, J. R. (2020). Expanding approaches for research: Understanding and using trustworthiness in qualitative research. Journal of Developmental Education, 44(1), 26–28. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1320570.pdf

Tikrity, M. (2023). Defining and measuring teaching quality. http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.20516.76162

Trikoilis, D., & Papasnastasiou, E. (2021). Investigating the factors that are associated with teachers’ intentions to utilize research in remote areas of Greece. Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.658011

Tomlinson, C. A. (2020). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners (2nd ed.). ASCD.

Tufford, L., & Newman, P. (2012). Bracketing in qualitative research. Qualitative Social Work, 11(1), 80–96. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325010368316

Ucag, B., Navarro, M., & Neri, J. (2024). Navigating educational frontiers: Unweaving the challenges faced by teachers in far-flung schools on Negros Island. Zenodo. http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11358546

Wang, J., Tigelaar, D. E. H., & Admiraal, W. (2019). Connecting rural schools to quality education: Rural teachers’ use of digital educational resources. Computers in Human Behavior. https://doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.chb.2019.07.009

Wang, X., Young, G. W., & Iqbal, M. Z. (2024). The potential of extended reality in rural education’s future – perspectives from rural educators. Education and Information Technologies, 29(7), 8987–9011. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12169-7

Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Well-being. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Well-being

Williamson, C. (2013). Questionnaires, individual interviews and focus groups. In K. Williamson & G. Johanson (Eds.), Research methods: Information, systems, and contexts (pp. 349–372). Tilde University Press.

Published

2026-06-18

Issue

Section

Articles