School personnel perceptions of working conditions during a pandemic: A mixed methods study

Abstract

This mixed-method study explored whether school staff (teachers, principals, vice-principals, paraprofessionals, school counselors, and school social workers) experienced any challenges while working in a school setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from an online survey instrument and follow-up semi-structured interviews. A total of 207 educational staff from 30 different states in the U.S. completed the online questionnaire, and ten volunteered to be interviewed. The results revealed the challenges educational school staff experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic, March 2020-present. The major challenges faced by staff relative to students was poor attendance and student mental health. Personal challenges experienced by the staff included concerns about contacting COVID-19 and infecting family members. A thematic analysis of the data led to the identification of four main themes: i) Blurred lines between home and school; ii) Mental health challenges should guide educational reform; iii) Obstacles to learning; and iv) Lack of support from home. These findings serve to begin a larger conversation about the needs of students and school personnel during a global pandemic.