Seeing the Unseen: Exploring the Safety Measures and Practices of Mountain Teachers

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of teachers in mountainous areas, focusing on their safety measures and practices, and the challenges they encounter in fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Ten teachers from the Schools Division of Escalante City and Sagay City were selected through convenience sampling. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed several themes, including: (1) Challenges in Mountain Schools due to Exposure to Different Risks and Hazards, such as dangerous travel routes, hazardous terrain conditions, and limited transportation access; (2) Adaptive Safety Practices and Strategies of Mountain Teachers, including community support and self-developed safety measures; and (3) Support, Motivation, and Professional Resilience, highlighting the teachers' reliance on resilience, perseverance, and collaboration to manage risks and deliver quality education. The results emphasize the need for enhanced institutional and government support, including formal safety training, emergency preparedness programs, and infrastructure improvements, to improve mountain teachers' capacity to manage risks. Despite the challenges, teachers continue to demonstrate a commitment and passion for teaching, transforming communities and fostering effective learning in students.