Teachers’ Academic Resilience amid the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis

Abstract

This study examined the academic resilience of teachers combating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic crisis during the education in the new normal.  Explanatory Sequential Research Design was used. Online survey was first conducted having two hundred thirty-six actual respondents, almost all are Licensed Professional Teachers serving the Basic Education in Central Luzon, Philippines. To crystalize vital points in the findings of the survey, online interviews were conducted with eight teacher-participants. The characteristics of the respondents in the survey were identified. The findings were discussed using the themes relevant to the academic resilience of the teachers like teachers as (1) advocates of wellness, (2) multi-taskers, (3) pandemic warriors, (4) pilgrims of resilience, and (5) optimistic role models. Using descriptive statistics, the quantitative part of this study was analyzed. Further, Thematic Analysis was utilized to analyze the data gathered from interviews. Findings reveal that Filipino teachers are highly resilient which is evident in them being able to adapt to the current demands of their teaching profession in the new normal. Learning how to use different computer applications has made teaching online easy for them despite some hesitations before the school year began. Part of the academic resilience of the teachers include being adaptive or flexible, being optimistic, being able to find reasons to succeed, getting back up and carrying on, having a drive to keep fighting, and being courageous. These are the values the teachers possess which enabled them to surpass difficulties and sustained their psychological strength..