Surviving Covid-19: Implications on the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers Health Measures, Provisions, and Management

Maria Fleurdelis  Guevarra,

Surviving Covid-19: Implications on the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers Health Measures, Provisions, and Management

Discipline: Education

Abstract:

Academic year 2020-2021 was a challenging time to work in public-school in Philippines. Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (Covid-19) became a global outbreak. Governments around the world issued protocols to mitigate the spread of the virus including the Department of Education (DepEd). On July 1, 2020, DepEd has adopted the modular distance learning as an alternative to the classroom set up. Distribution of modules to students was the best option to ensure that learning continues amidst the outbreak. This study is a primary data analysis of qualitative responses collected to evaluate the conditions of public-school teachers who tested positive of Covid-19. The lived experiences of ten (8) teachers across three (3) School Divisions in Luzon region were captured through open-ended interviews as the teachers continued to render their services in their respective stations. A phenomenological study was conducted to discover their health and mental conditions during and after contracting the disease. A thematic framework was used to organize the results of the data from the interview conducted through alternative platform (ZOOM). Findings showed that public school teachers remained in their jobs notwithstanding the stress and anxiety triggered by fear of looming a virus which eventually led to them contracting the virus. Implications for discussions of policies under the Magna Carta for Teachers is recommended to ensure full recovery from “long haul Covid-19” a further deterioration of their physical and mental health.

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