‘A Whole New World’: Lived Experiences of Beginning English Language Teachers from E-Practicum to In-person Classes

Abstract ―​

This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach in describing the lived experiences of beginning English language teachers in the private schools, LUCs, and SUCs in the province of Pampanga, Philippines as they abruptly transitioned from e-practicum to in-person classes. There were seven (7) participants selected from this study through the utilization of the purposive sampling technique. Through the utilization of deductive thematic analysis, six (6) major categories with corresponding themes emerged: e-practicum challenges; e-practicum opportunities; first year of teaching challenges; first year of teaching opportunities; e-practicum to professional teaching adaptive mechanisms; and learnings and realizations. In the final analysis, the participants viewed their lived experiences as challenging yet advantageous opportunities for flexibility and versatility. Overall, it was suggested that education supervisors and administrators should assist and support the beginning teachers from, during, and after their transitional phase.