Teacher Commitment and Perceived Challenges as Predictors of Well-Being in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas
Centhiame L. Belonio | Leonelyn L. Navarez | Benjie B. Juan
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
Teacher well-being and commitment are critical factors in sustaining
effective instruction, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged
(GIDA) schools. This study aimed to determine whether teacher commitment
and perceived challenges predict the well-being of GIDA teachers, considering
the demanding and resource-limited contexts in which they work. Using a
descriptive-correlational design with multiple linear regression, data were
collected from 37 GIDA teachers through complete enumeration. Findings
revealed that GIDA teachers were predominantly young, female, and early in
their careers, with modest qualifications and short tenure in remote
assignments. Despite experiencing very high perceived challenges (M = 4.23,
SD = 0.49), teachers reported very high levels of commitment (M = 4.23, SD =
0.64) and well-being (M = 4.52, SD = 0.50). Correlation analysis indicated a low
positive relationship between teacher commitment and well-being (r = 0.124, p
= 0.004) and a moderate negative relationship between perceived challenges
and well-being (r = –0.362, p = 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis
showed that teacher commitment significantly predicted well-being (B = 0.313,
p = 0.045), whereas perceived challenges did not remain significant when both
were included simultaneously. These results suggest that commitment plays a
crucial role in maintaining teacher well-being, even in the presence of
significant occupational challenges. Based on these findings, structured support
interventions, such as Project CARE (Community, Assistance, Resources, and
Empowerment), may be implemented to enhance teacher well-being, reduce
stress, and sustain professional effectiveness in remote schools. Future research
may explore additional factors influencing teacher resilience and examine the
long-term effects of targeted interventions on well-being and instructional
quality in geographically isolated schools.
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