UNPACKING PAPERWORK OVERLOAD: IMPLICATIONS ON TEACHER HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN EAST-TACURONG DISTRICT

In an era of increasing demands on educators, paperwork overload has become a pressing issue that negatively impacts teacher health and well-being. This study utilized a phenomenology approach to explore the implications of paperwork overload on teachers in the East-Tacurong District during the 2024-2025 school year. Fifteen teachers from selected elementary and integrated schools in the district participated in interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that excessive administrative tasks-such as lesson planning, compliance documentation, student assessments, and professional development reporting -divert teachers’ time and energy from instructional activities and student engagement. The findings highlight that paperwork overload contributes to psychological distress, physical exhaustion, emotional burnout, and work-life imbalance, which undermine teaching effectiveness and student engagement. While teachers employed coping strategies such as prioritization, delegation, overtime work, and digital tools, these solutions were often temporary and came at the cost of their health and well-being. Systematic changes are necessary to address these issues sustainably. Policy recommendations include streaming documentation processes, implementing AI-driven digital documentation systems, and appointing administrative support staff to reduce teachers’ clerical burdens. Schools should also provide professional development programs focused on time management and digital literacy to help teachers manage administrative tasks efficiently. Additionally, further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of paperwork reduction strategies on teaching performance and student learning outcomes. Addressing paperwork overload is essential for fostering a enhances instructional quality. By implementing policy reforms and leveraging technology, educational institutions can help teachers focus on their primary role-educating and inspiring students-while mitigating the risk of burnout and ensuring a healthier, more effective teaching environment.