On a Wing and a Prayer: A Phenomenological Study of High School Teachers' Experiences Teaching ELL Students

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the self-efficacy of high school ELL teachers at a large private high school in central Virginia. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and how it related to high school teachers’ preparation and confidence in teaching ELL students. The central research question for this study was: What are the experiences of high school general education teachers who teach ELL students in a private school setting? This study was a qualitative transcendental phenomenological study that included the lived experiences of 13 high school teachers. Data were collected from participants using surveys, interviews, and reflective writing. Following Moustakas’ (2013) plan for analysis, data was examined and coded for the following common themes: building relationships, “winging it,” and concern and compassion.