PANDEMIC PREDICAMENT: TEACHERS’ STRESSORS AND COPING MECHANISMS IN THE NEW NORMAL

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to determine the stressors and coping mechanisms of the teachers under the new normal. This is necessary in order to gather vital information needed in crafting appropriate and relevant mental health interventions for the teachers. The researcher used descriptive survey in this study with 70 teacher participants.

Results showed that teachers are stressed out of this pandemic owing to the changing workload and organization, new methods of instruction and ICT use, lack of parents’ support, working environment. This survey found that teachers’ biggest concerns include module creation, inadequate internet access, unsupportive parents, and worry of catching COVID-19 in the workplace. These occupational stressors influence the mental well-being of the instructors as their anxiety grows. To deal with these difficulties, instructors are turning to God via prayers and seeking of direction. This important coping method allows the instructors the ability to keep on with their work as their faith calms their minds.

Results of the study also showed that age and sex are major factors to consider in terms of stressor differences. Young adults have different stressors compared to teachers in their mid-adulthood. Teachers who are on their mid-adulthood or those 46 years old and above are being stressed out on ICT utilization and new methods of instruction. This is due to their unfamiliarity on the use of technology. Meanwhile, the young adults, who are exposed to technologies can easily adapt technology-based instructional methods. In addition, teachers who are seasoned, like those 46 years old and above can easily adapt to varying working conditions, hence, they can easily adapt to the new workloads and arrangements compared to those new.

Hence, in the light of the results of the study: the school shall improve its machinery for module reproduction as this stress out teachers; young teachers should be provided with additional training so they can adapt to the new workload and arrangement under the new normal; older teachers shall be provided with additional ICT training so they cope with the demands of the technology-based new normal education, and Mental Health programs should be established in the school to help teachers cope with the stressors they are encountering at work.