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High Expectations, Low Recognition: The Role of Principals and Teachers in Disaster Response and Recovery in the Asia–Pacific

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Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia Pacific

Part of the book series: Disaster Risk, Resilience, Reconstruction and Recovery ((DRRR))

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Abstract

This chapter draws on qualitative interview data from research in five Pacific-Asian countries—New Zealand, Japan, Nepal, Vanuatu and Samoa and across three disaster types—earthquakes, tsunami and cyclones. The purpose of the research was to explore the role of schools in disaster response and recovery. The chapter begins by outlining the author’s motivation for working in disaster zones before summarising relevant literature on disasters and schools in disaster contexts. Using a social constructionist framework, the author conducted in-depth interviews with over 30 school personnel to gain insight into their post-disaster experiences. The data are presented chronologically, from immediate response to long term impacts. The voices of the participants highlight the multiple roles that principals and teachers are expected to fulfil in disaster contexts. The author argues for better preparation, support and recognition for the significant roles that schools play in disaster response and recovery.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Carol Mutch

Authors
  1. Carol Mutch
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Correspondence to Carol Mutch .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Disaster Risk Science Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Helen James

  2. Graduate School of Media & Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan

    Rajib Shaw

  3. Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, Delhi, India

    Vinod Sharma

  4. Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia

    Anna Lukasiewicz

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Mutch, C. (2022). High Expectations, Low Recognition: The Role of Principals and Teachers in Disaster Response and Recovery in the Asia–Pacific. In: James, H., Shaw, R., Sharma, V., Lukasiewicz, A. (eds) Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia Pacific. Disaster Risk, Resilience, Reconstruction and Recovery. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4811-3_8

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