Work Ethics, Commitment, And Struggles of Special Education Assistants: Their Effect To Work Performance

This study examined the work ethics, commitment, and challenges faced by Special Education Assistants (SEAs) and their influence on work performance. Conducted in the Schools Division of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley Region, the research utilized a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data aimed at answering key questions about the profile of SEAs, their levels of work ethics and commitment, the struggles they encountered, and their job performance. The findings indicated that SEAs demonstrated strong work ethics and commitment, showing a dedicated effort to provide high-quality support to students with special needs. However, they faced significant challenges, including heavy workloads, managing diverse student needs, communication difficulties, inadequate training, and limited resources. Additionally, demographic and professional factors—such as marital status and net monthly income—were found to influence their work ethics, commitment, and perceived struggles.To address these challenges and enhance the well-being and effectiveness of SEAs, several strategies were proposed. These included regular professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, optimized workload distribution, collaborative partnerships, supportive work environments, and initiatives promoting work-life balance. Implementing these strategies aims to improve working conditions for SEAs, increase their job satisfaction, and ultimately enhance the quality of education for students with special needs. Overall, the study provided valuable insights into how work ethics and commitment among SEAs affected their performance while highlighting the significant challenges they faced. By addressing these issues through actionable interventions, the research sought to improve both the well-being of SEAs and the educational experiences of students with special needs.