Filipino Educators Filling Positions in the United States: A Narrative Inquiry Into Working as Cultural Exchange Teachers

• In Event: Shifting Stories, Shifting Landscapes

Abstract

The US needs 200,000 teachers every year, yet, enrollment in teacher certification programs is dropping. If teacher demand and teacher enrollment trends continue, then, hiring Filipino teachers will remain an important phenomenon of interest. The presence of Filipino teachers in US classrooms is a new area of inquiry. This study chronicles the experiences of Filipino expatriate teachers responding the teacher shortage in the US. Through a narrative inquiry approach, this study identified five major themes: complicated visa procurement procedures, exorbitant Filipino employment agency fees, difficult initial living conditions, culture shock, and unanticipated classroom realities despite these individuals' academic excellence. This study contributes insights in identifying factors to help retain Filipino teachers to assuage the continuing US teacher shortage.

Authors

• Vicki Ross, Northern Arizona University

• Pamela Powell, Northern Arizona University

• Sherry Markel, Northern Arizona University

• Elaine Chan, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Angeles Berg, KUSD #20