The Experiences and Challenges Faced by The Secondary Public School Teachers Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic: Voices of Mentors of Barayong National High School

AUTHOR(S)

JESSELFY E. LOPEZ

ABSTRACT

—— One aspect of teaching was finding interest in the students’ eyes and the smile on their faces whenever teachers were teaching. It became their source of motivation and drove them to continue their passion for teaching. The study emphasized the optimistic sides of being publicschool teachers, which is rarely studied, especially during pandemics. This study perceived the coping mechanisms and strategies of teachers. The researchers have interviewed ten public-school teachers of Barayong National High School in Barayong, Magsaysay, Davo del Sur. The following conclusions are met based on the study’s findings: (1) Most teachers are significantly challenged by lack of resources, handling of students, and the submission and workloads that contribute to stress and burnout. (2) The occurrence of the digital age limited most public-school teachers. They hardly perform specific tasks for the students virtually, provide an effective learning environment, and communicate with students, given that the resources are inadequate. (3) Public-school teachers cope, resorting to the right communication and understanding in their circumstances. (4) Teachers gain positive experiences despite stress and burnout. This includes their passion, relationships build, and the fulfillment of their duty. The researcher indorse that the government must provide assistance and funds in education. It’s not only for the private schools, but also for the public schools that cannot provide enough resources for the teachers and students, such as schools with limited internet connection or data, and schools that lack modules, technologies, and gadgets in this new learning system. Keywords — Secondary Public School Teachers, Pandemic, Experiences, Challenges