ABSTRACT
This qualitative research method using the phenomenological research design aimed to formulate and recommend programs based on experiences and performances of solo parent-teachers. The participants of this study were twenty solo parent-teachers from elementary and secondary school in the Schools District of Banate during the school year 2021-2022. An interview guide was used to gather data. Thematic analysis was used to interpret and analyze the narratives from the depth interview. The experiences of solo parent-teachers were described as having multitasking, emotional struggle, lack of support from the family, and financial problem. Being solo parent-teachers imposes great challenges yet these individuals survive from everyday struggles being able to recover quickly from the twists and turns of life. This gives an interest for many to know and understand their stories of coping techniques and styles. All solo parent-teachers got a very satisfactory rating in their performance. The very satisfactory rating of solo parent-teachers in all categories of variables indicates that the participants have effectiveness and efficiency in doing their duties and responsibilities as solo parent-teachers.
Keywords: Experiences and Performances of Solo Parent-Teachers
INTRODUCTION
Parenting is a daunting task for most people. Being a teacher is challenging and more difficult if one is a solo parent. It is harder for solo-parent teachers because they have to face the challenges alone, either by choice or circumstances beyond their control, both at school and home.
In the Philippines, single parenthood is one of the problems that the family faces today. According to Barajas (2012), many adults are experiencing parenthood, and almost 50% of youngsters born today live with one parent only. Since more people must now deal with the obligations of parenthood, the rise in the number of single parents has increased awareness. Overcoming financial challenges and working with budget constraints especially during this pandemic which trigerred job loss and increased prices of prime commodities is the most difficult part of single parenting. (Alonge, 2020).
RA 8972 (2000) or the Solo Parent’s Welfare provides advantages and benefits for single parents and their kids. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will serve as the primary organization in developing a full array of social welfare and various government agencies including National Statistics Office (NSO) and other related Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).
Solo parent-teachers are at a disadvantage due to the enormous demands of teaching and the duties of being a sole parent. Hazell (2008), found out that one of the reasons why teachers leave their workload to be “worse” than expected, hence, they resign from their profession. Identifying the problems encountered, motivating factors and aspirations of solo parent teachers are useful inputs in designing appropriate interventions to help them perform their jobs better and increase teacher productivity.
Teachers’ performance involves satisfying a teaching task that meet one’s goals over a measured period. Realizing specific objectives in teaching requires specific use of teaching strategies or approach.
As an elementary school teacher, the situation worries the researcher. By focusing only on their motivation, the challenges they are encountering, and their aspirations as they carry out their duties and responsibilities as a full-time parent and a full-time teacher amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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