Trials and Triumphs of Overseas Filipino Teachers Reintegrating Into the Philippine Public School System through SPIMS

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the trials and triumphs of Overseas Filipino Teachers (OFTs) who participated in the Sa ’Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program of the Department of Education. The study aimed to understand the challenges and successes experienced by Filipino teachers who worked abroad, their lived experiences in foreign school systems, and their transition process upon returning to the Philippines through SPIMS. Using a qualitative design, data were collected through interviews and survey questionnaires administered via Google Forms and chat messages with SPIMS beneficiaries from countries such as Thailand, Japan, Australia, and China. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes: (1) seeking better financial stability to support family while advancing teaching careers; (2) integrated professional and personal transformation through adaptation to culturally diverse, disciplined, and increasingly technology rich school environments; (3) intertwined professional and personal challenges, particularly language barriers, cultural adjustment, workload, and homesickness; (4) reuniting with family while reinvesting overseas teaching expertise in the Philippine public school system through SPIMS; and (5) organized, patient, and support seeking strategies anchored in a clear long term goal of re entering public service. The findings highlight how overseas teaching experiences shaped participants’ professional identity and resilience, and how SPIMS facilitated their reintegration into the Philippine public education system. The study recommends strengthened institutional support for returning OFTs, including orientation programs, mentoring, and utilization of their international expertise to enhance teaching quality in public schools.