Coping Mechanism of Elementary School Heads in Facing Challenges: A Narrative Inquiry

This study inquired into the coping mechanisms of Elementary School Heads in Masbate Province in facing challenges along curriculum implementation and human resources management. The study used a qualitative research design and conducted face-to-face and online interviews, as well as administered a research questionnaire, to gather data from 12 Elementary School Heads in Masbate Province. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicate that School Heads have coping mechanisms in facing challenges along curriculum implementation in teacher readiness, teacher resilience and adaptability, limited resources and infrastructure, limited time, issues on assessment and evaluation, parental and community participation, political and administrative issues and student-centered issues and along human resources such as teacher retention practices, mental health and well-being improvement, workplace, practice, inclusivity and rule observance, development of skills and training, resources and financial support, and technology issues solutions. Based on the findings, the study recommends the conduct of LAC Sessions and Focus Group Discussions, apply of sound resource management, provision of interesting activities to motivate and engage learners to be involved in the teaching-learning process, engage community stakeholders in aiding education and connecting with parents and involving them in supporting the curriculum, ensuring that the curriculum caters students in diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and skills and working together with the teachers to improve and maintain infrastructure and facilities. For the human resources challenges, the following are recommended: conduct of regular meetings with employees and constant feedbacking, conduct rewarding and recognition mechanisms, out of school gatherings/activities LAC sessions on resolving conflict stress management and mental health issues, provide training and seminars, performance evaluations and provision of training on regulations and compliance, upskilling opportunities in the utilization of ICT or social media and other digital platforms, resolving resource management and financial constraints issues, involving the community and stakeholders, managing skills and diversity involvement. Elementary School Heads may use the coping mechanism framework developed from the gathered data. For the curriculum implementation challenges, include professional growth and empowerment. Good management of resources, student-centered knowledge and involvement, community and parental participation, teacher resilience in adapting curriculum implementation, and improvement of infrastructure and facilities. For human resources management challenges: teacher retention practices; improvement of mental health and well-being; workplace practices; inclusivity and rule observance; skill development and training; provision of resources and financial support; and solutions to technology issues.