Understanding Motherhood During COVID-19: Experiences of Mother-Teachers in Distance Education

Abstract

The implementation of distance learning in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic gave mothers a crucial responsibility in the continuing learning process of students in their homes. In this study,we look into the lived experiences of Filipino mother-teachers in how they were able to adapt their roles as a parent and a teacher while keeping up with the duties in maintaining a work-home balance. Despite extensive research on the teaching profession, more attention has to be paid to gender, work, and family dynamics within this field. Grounded in attachment theory, nine Filipino mother-teachers were interviewed to describe their experiences and realities when they performed the roles of being a teacher and a mother at home during the shift to distance learning. In the analysis, it was revealed how these mother-teachers were able to strategically create opportunities and a conducive environment at home for their children to learn. Moreover, the way that these mother-teachers handled their children's learning reflects their understanding of what is effective teaching based on their own experiences as students while growing up. This understanding enabled these mother-teachers to become an active participant in their children's education.