EXPERIENCES AND INSIGHTS OF PRIVATE SCHOOL TEACHERS IN VIRTUAL TEACHING ENVIRONMENTS

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid shift to online education, significantly transforming the teaching landscape, particularly for private school educators. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of private school teachers in General Santos City, Philippines, as they navigated the challenges and opportunities of online teaching. Using a phenomenological approach, six educators were purposefully selected for in-depth interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed following Creswell’s method. Findings revealed a dual perception of online teaching, encompassing both challenges and conveniences. Participants reported a range of emotions during the transition but highlighted several benefits, including skill enhancement, continuous learning, and professional growth. The study emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of private school teachers, demonstrating their motivation to leverage online platforms despite difficulties. Overall, the findings suggest that online teaching not only supports pedagogical development but also nurtures educators’ emotional and intellectual well-being. This research underscores the potential of digital instruction as a pathway for professional advancement, highlighting the commitment of private school teachers to delivering quality education in the evolving digital era.