Resilience during the Pandemic: A Teacher’s Recollection

Abstract

This study unfolded the experiences of the teachers of Talomo District, Davao City on how they practiced resiliency during the pandemic. There were eight (8) teachers who participated in the study. This study made use of a phenomenological approach to extract the ideas of the participants. The participants were purposely selected as representatives from the group of school teachers in the same division. The virtual in-depth-interview was employed to gather some information as regards to their respective experiences on maintaining resiliency despite the challenges on teaching profession during the pandemic. Using the thematic analysis, the following themes emerged as pertains to the experiences of the participants: work overload, uncertainties and lack of support. The coping mechanisms to address the struggles during the pandemic were: problem solving with other teachers, adapting to the changes and destressing activities. The educational management insights gained from the experiences of the teachers was primarily focused on taking mental health seriously and to seek professional help if necessary. The principals may be more receptive on the current problems and issues of the teachers. The school heads may equip the teachers with better psychological support throughout the school year. The teachers may continuously adapt coping mechanisms to address issues in the classroom and personal struggles.