The challenges of secondary school english teachers in online education during COVID-19 period: The experiences of teachers in state and private schools

The COVID-19 pandemic that started in early 2020 triggered a swift and largely unprepared shift from conventional to online instruction, globally. This study investigates the impact of this transition on middle school English language teachers in Turkey, within both public and private education sectors. It assesses the challenges teachers faced, their readiness levels, the psychological difficulties they experienced, and the strategies they employed to adapt to the new teaching modality. The study utilizes a sequential explanatory method, commencing with quantitative data gathered from a 30-item questionnaire to outline participants' experiences and perceptions, followed by in-depth qualitative interviews. The study highlights the resilience of teachers in the face of unforeseen difficulties, their innovative approaches to ensuring continued education, and the need for institutional support. It provides insights that could be instrumental in improving remote teaching practices and shaping policies in the current context of the pandemic and potential future instances of similar crises.