The Road Back to Normal? A Longitudinal Qualitative Investigation of Teacher Experiences Through COVID-19

• In Event: Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations Distinguished Paper Session 3

Abstract

In a longitudinal qualitative study investigating teacher experiences through the COVID-19 pandemic, this study highlights the third year of a three-year study, commencing Spring 2020 and culminating at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with public school teacher (n-11) across a southern state regarding their concerns and the impact of COVID-19 on education. Emergent themes included student concerns such as learning gaps, social maturity, mental health concerns, and structural changes, including concern for the state of education and the welfare of teachers’ mental health. Implications regarding teachers’ role and value in decision-making will be discussed.

Author

• Karen E. McIntush, University of Houston