Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged many assumptions underlying education,
including those related to the qualities that are most essential to being an effective
teacher. We interviewed 23 state primary and secondary school teachers about what
makes a great teacher during a pandemic. Two themes were identified: caring for
pupil wellbeing, and dealing with uncertainty. Teachers reported that the need to
demonstrate these qualities, while always important, has intensified during COVID-
19. These findings indicate that teacher education and professional development
programmes may benefit from recognising and assisting teachers to develop these
qualities.
including those related to the qualities that are most essential to being an effective
teacher. We interviewed 23 state primary and secondary school teachers about what
makes a great teacher during a pandemic. Two themes were identified: caring for
pupil wellbeing, and dealing with uncertainty. Teachers reported that the need to
demonstrate these qualities, while always important, has intensified during COVID-
19. These findings indicate that teacher education and professional development
programmes may benefit from recognising and assisting teachers to develop these
qualities.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 129-131 |
| Journal | Journal of Education for Teaching |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Oct 2021 |
Keywords
- COVID-19
- teachers
- social and emotional characteristics
- thematic analysis