Gleaned through a qualitative phenomenological study, the researcher uncovered the challenges, coping strategies, and innovative pedagogical approach in cultivating literary appreciation from the perspective of the English teachers. The participants were eight (8) English teachers currently teaching in a secondary school under the division of Davao del Norte. The challenges of English teachers’ experiences in cultivating students’ literary appreciation were: cultivating students’ interest, students’ disengagement, and teachers’ emotional toll. Meanwhile, the coping strategies includes: diverse and adaptive technologies, relevant and relatable literature, and effective teaching approaches. The innovative pedagogical approaches were: contextualizing literature, enhancing critical and creative thinking, and promoting collaborative engagement. These findings underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of teaching literature, emphasizing the need to support teachers in strengthening both their pedagogical expertise and emotional resilience. Collectively, the study offers valuable insights into strategies and practices that can effectively cultivate a deeper engagement with and appreciation of literature among high school students.