Career-related concerns and opportunities in the times of COVID-19 pandemic among preservice teachers

Abstract

ABSTRACT COVID-19 had sudden effects on education by inducing school closures, obligating distance education, and cancellations in schedules. This phenomenological study explores the pandemic-related career concerns of graduating preservice teachers and their strategies to cope with these challenges; and also considers whether the pandemic brought new career opportunities. Findings suggest that participants of the study experienced concerns in several areas including graduation, employability, and future teaching competencies; however, they also developed preventive coping strategies and found new opportunities. To cope with the pandemic, participating preservice teachers tried to stay positive about their occupational futures and attempted to remain prepared for possible problems in future practice. They also emphasised the role of self-care in learning to function well psychologically in crises to guide and support their students’ psychosocial skills. Finally, participants found opportunities to improve their technological skills, develop crisis management skills, and discover new career opportunities. Implications for education are discussed.