CHALLENGES OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS DURING A HEALTH CRISIS: A CASE STUDY

Crises bring about radical and unprecedented change affecting various aspect of life. The health crisis brought by the pandemic that has been happening recently has a great impact in education worldwide. It caused alterations in the educational system and placed a heavy burden on school administrators. This research explored the challenges encountered by the school administrators and the coping strategies they used in time of health crisis in private tertiary educational institutions in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. A case study design was used and a face-to-face semi-structured interview guide in gathering information from participants. Eight participants’ responses were analyzed using Yin’s Analysis, which comprised of two school presidents, two school vice presidents, two deans, one director, and one department head. Six themes were formulated, namely: personal struggles during the pandemic, navigating educational transformations amidst resource challenges, navigating educational continuity amid technological hurdles, navigating challenges and adaptations amidst uncertainties, adapting and collaborating in crisis management, personal adaptation and wellness amidst crisis. In conclusion, the health crisis was very challenging for school administrators’ leadership and management; it caused extraordinary changes in their personal lives physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. Other challenges they faced were the transitions to innovative teaching methods and the difficulties in maintaining continuous learning experiences due to technological and financial hurdles. However, they successfully adapt amid uncertainties, employing healthy coping mechanisms through collaboration and adaptation. The research recommended a crisis management team and officers that develop a flexible and adaptive crisis response plan and implement comprehensive health risk management professional development programs and mentorship initiatives while facilitating collaborative efforts within the academic community. Targeted support and resources are also recommended for school administrators to effectively navigate health crises.