Safe Spaces and Stress Triggers of Filipino Novice Teachers in a Private School
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This qualitative research explored the experiences of novice teachers in a private school in Iloilo City, focusing on their ideas of safe spaces and various stress triggers and coping strategies within their professional environment. Using a narrative inquiry approach, the study gathered personal accounts from 13 purposively selected novice teachers to understand how they navigate the challenges of their early careers. The findings revealed that novice teachers recognize their working environment is challenging yet supportive. A safe space is an environment with a strong support system, clear systems and professional boundaries, and without the fear of judgment. Despite these affirming notions, several stress triggers emerged, including stress from responsibilities and deliverables, the weight of personal and professional expectations, and the influence of supervision and management. These factors were identified as significant contributors to overwhelming and disengagement among teachers. Despite these challenges, they had coping strategies such as setting personal boundaries, time for leisure, connecting with trusted colleagues, and drawing strength from personal faith and reflection. The study highlights the value of a supportive, understanding, and well-managed work environment in maintaining teacher well-being and engagement. This study recommends that school leaders acknowledge these stressors and prioritize the creation of emotionally safe and professionally nurturing workplaces. Meaningful yet straightforward measures such as clear communication, manageable workloads, collaborative decision-making, and self-care opportunities can significantly improve novice teachers’ professional experiences.
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