Science teachers perspectives on post-earthquake teaching experiences (the Hatay example)

This study aims to analyze the views of science teachers working in the Antakya district of Hatay province regarding the challenges they faced after the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023. The study group consists of 10 science teachers working in middle schools during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years. The data collection tools used were the 'Participant Information Form' and the 'Semi Structured Interview Form' prepared by the researchers. Content analysis was employed to analyze the obtained data. The transcripts obtained from the participants were examined by the researchers to create themes and sub-themes. As a result of the analysis, three themes were identified: barriers, strength arising from challenges, and messages for the future. Based on these findings, science teachers reported their views on the physical barriers in the learning environment and the psychosocial difficulties they experienced after the earthquake. They expressed that in some cases, they emerged from this challenging process with professional empowerment. Additionally, they made various suggestions regarding the curriculum and assessment after the earthquake.