Teachers' Work During the Pandemic

The book "The Enduring Labor of Education: Teachers' Work in the First Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic" examines the challenges and transformations faced by teachers in the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the persistent labor experiences and the impact of educational changes on student achievement, health, and satisfaction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of teachers' work during the initial two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global crisis that profoundly impacted teaching and learning. In this challenging context, educators and researchers had the opportunity to reflect critically on the enduring labor experiences that have persisted throughout this uncertain period, some of which trace back to conditions that existed long before the pandemic struck.

Written from a multi-disciplinary perspective that combines labor studies and education, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of how cultural and legally inscribed expectations of teachers have remained remarkably resilient over time. Specifically, the volume focuses on the educational transformations that have occurred worldwide since the pandemic emerged, encompassing reduced educational resources, labor strife, and conflicting governmental directives. As the book elucidates, these changes have profound implications for some of the most pressing educational issues, including student achievement, student health, and teacher satisfaction.

The book begins by examining the historical and cultural factors that have shaped the expectations of teachers throughout different periods. It highlights how these expectations have evolved in response to changing societal norms, technological advancements, and political ideologies. The authors argue that these expectations have often been at odds with the realities of teachers' work, leading to frustration, burnout, and low job satisfaction.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, the book explores the ways in which teachers have responded to these challenges. It highlights the innovative strategies they have employed to adapt to new teaching environments, such as online learning and remote teaching. It also examines the toll that these changes have taken on teachers' mental and physical health, as well as their relationships with students and colleagues.

Throughout the book, the authors draw on a wealth of empirical evidence to support their arguments. They use case studies, surveys, and interviews to gather data from teachers and educators across different countries and contexts. This data provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that teachers face in their work.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of education. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities that teachers face in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By exploring the enduring labor experiences of teachers, the book sheds light on the urgent need for reform in the education system. It calls for a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the work that teachers do, as well as a commitment to investing in their professional development and well-being.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032052823