Embracing Challenges: How Elementary Teachers in District II-B of Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines Encompass Reading Losses Ensuing the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

After the historic school closures which happened globally due to Covid-19 pandemic, most schools around the world are now back open. Nonetheless, it is seen that education is still in recovery from the losses incurred by the pandemic, especially in reading. Thus, this paper intended to examine how elementary teachers encompass reading losses ensuing the Covid-19 pandemic. To test the hypothesis, the researcher surveyed the randomly selected elementary teachers and reading coordinators in four schools in District II-B of the Schools Division of Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines. Findings suggested that in the new normal settings, the teachers always meet the challenges in establishing health protocols, in the development of instructional materials, in their psychosocial preparations and in the effective delivery of reading strategies. Teachers always implement strategies in maintaining the health and safety of the learners, in providing appropriate reading materials, in strengthening learning support system and mitigate the number of non-readers during the new normal. Based on the summary of the investigations conducted and the conclusions arrived at, the researcher therefore recommends that teachers in District II-B of Olongapo City may opt to pursue graduate degree programs to acquire advancement in the teaching profession. Parents and other stakeholders may extend support in providing needed resources and that teachers may propose programs in targeting the identified non-readers and find support among their parents. Teachers handling lower grade levels may seek advice from the teachers in the higher grade levels in handling the challenges of teaching reading in the new normal. Also, the school may implement a single proposed project in mitigating the non-readers or enhancing the teaching strategies in reading.