ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
—— The novice teachers who were used as the sample were those who are part of the whole population of novice teachers in the three (3) biggest public elementary schools of Davao City who have been in the teaching profession for a period of less than three years: Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elementary School, Palma Gil Elementary School, and Magallanes Elementary School. A sampling of 5 teachers per school proved to be relevant in deducing the lived experiences of the novice teacher in the public elementary schools identified. Several emotions and frustrations faced by first year teachers emerged from the data collected. In the narratives shared, very positively anxious teachers presented their enthusiasm and eagerness to get into the classroom and teach. From the data, once they get into the classroom different experiences began to emerge. These experiences were categorized into five themes; lack of support and opportunities; time management, curriculum adjustments and professional overload; discipline issues; and rollercoaster of emotions. The processes for coping focused on trying to either prepare to be proactive and take actions to increase trust in their abilities, or to postpone and use a reactive strategy to cope with conflicting emotions. This strategy involved two coping mechanisms: proactive and reactive coping mechanisms. Several new teachers suggested that stricter selection to reduce students who do not intend to become teachers. It was said that the initial prerequisites for working as a teacher, such as communication and presentation skills, should already be acquired before the start of higher education and the existence of these abilities should be checked as soon as the candidates apply for teacher training. Keywords — Novice Teachers, Experiences, Coping Mechanisms, Insights, Development