Top 10 Challenges Teachers Face in DepEd—And How to Survive Them Like a Pro

Meta Description: Discover the 10 most common challenges faced by DepEd teachers in the Philippines, including toxic co-teachers, burnout, and paperwork overload—plus expert survival tips.

Overwhelmed DepEd teacher doing paperwork

Teaching in the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines isn’t just about delivering lessons—it’s about surviving a system that often tests your limits. From paperwork mountains to navigating school politics, teachers across the country share common battles. This post dives into the top 10 problems DepEd teachers face and gives you smart, practical ways to survive and even thrive.

1. Overloaded Workload and Non-Teaching Tasks

DepEd teachers are expected to teach, document, counsel, coach, facilitate modules, and more—often without proper support.

🛠 Survival Tip: Use templates for lesson logs, automate routine tasks (Google Forms, Excel sheets), and collaborate with co-teachers to divide non-teaching responsibilities.

2. Excessive Paperwork and RPMS Requirements

Many teachers feel buried under the Results-Based Performance Management System (RPMS) documentation and other compliance reports.

🛠 Survival Tip: Schedule a regular “paperwork hour” and stick to it. Build a small network of teachers to share strategies, templates, and deadlines.

3. Low Salary vs High Cost of Living

Despite the heavy workload, many DepEd teachers struggle with low compensation, especially those living in urban or remote areas with high expenses.

🛠 Survival Tip: Explore side hustles like tutoring, selling digital resources, or passive income streams. Also, advocate for your rights through organized groups like ACT or local unions.

4. Lack of Teaching Resources

Classrooms often lack basic materials—markers, manila paper, printers—and sometimes even chairs or working fans.

🛠 Survival Tip: Leverage free digital tools like Canva, DepEd Commons, and TeacherPH. Organize donation drives or seek partnerships with LGUs or alumni groups.

5. Mental and Physical Burnout

Long hours, weekend tasks, and emotional labor can result in exhaustion and even health problems.

🛠 Survival Tip: Take mental health breaks seriously. Use your leave credits when needed. Schedule downtime, join peer support groups, and don't feel guilty for putting yourself first.

6. Toxic Co-Teachers and Workplace Politics

Not all colleagues are supportive—some can be competitive, manipulative, or passive-aggressive. Toxic work culture is a silent stressor.

🛠 Survival Tip: Stay professional. Set clear boundaries. Document everything. If needed, consult your union rep or school head. Build your own support system of trusted co-workers or mentors.

7. Parental Misunderstanding and Misinformation

Some parents assume teachers are on vacation when not in school. Others are quick to blame rather than support.

🛠 Survival Tip: Use communication platforms (e.g., Messenger, Viber) to share updates. Maintain a positive tone and document interactions. Educate parents about your role through newsletters or parent-teacher meetings.

8. Large Class Sizes and Limited Space

Handling 40–60 students in one room with limited movement and resources is overwhelming.

Public school teacher managing a large class

🛠 Survival Tip: Group students strategically, use peer teaching, and maximize vertical space with bulletin boards and learning stations. Work smarter, not harder.

9. Lack of Professional Growth Opportunities

Promotions can feel out of reach due to limited vacancies or unclear ranking systems.

🛠 Survival Tip: Attend free or affordable webinars, earn micro-credentials online (DepEd, TESDA, SEAMEO INNOTECH), and document CPD for future applications.

10. Unstable Internet for Digital Tasks

Even post-pandemic, online tasks persist—LIS, virtual meetings, digital modules—but reliable internet remains an issue for many.

🛠 Survival Tip: Use offline tools like Hot Potatoes, Google Docs in offline mode, and backup work in USBs. Coordinate with nearby internet cafés or barangay hubs for submission days.

Final Thoughts

Being a DepEd teacher in the Philippines is an act of strength and service. While the system isn't perfect, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Build your tribe, know your rights, streamline your tasks, and above all—never lose your love for teaching.