Transformative Learning Experiences of Secondary Alternative School Educators during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift in education that necessitated that teachers adapt how they educate and communicate with their students. Previous researchers examined general education teachers' experiences transitioning to online teaching but did not establish how alternative teachers and the at-risk students they taught were affected. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the transformative learning experiences of secondary alternative teachers from the South Atlantic region of the United States who shifted from face-to-face to virtual instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twelve semistructured interviews were conducted with alternative educators in the South Atlantic region of the United States who taught immediately prior to and during the pandemic. The data were analyzed using a priori coding, open coding, and axial coding. A spreadsheet was used to code, create categories, and analyze themes. Four themes arose from the analysis of data: Students experienced academic and socialemotional learning loss, teachers adapted relationship-building techniques with students, students did not prioritize academics during the pandemic, and teachers implemented technology and real-world adaptations into their curriculum. Findings indicated that participants experienced transformative learning when they engaged in critical thinking and discourse to adapt lessons and communication strategies for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a lack of technology hindered some participants because they were ill equipped to engage in transformative experiences. This study is significant in that it has the potential to bring about positive social change for alternative teachers who struggle to meet the needs of their at-risk students when virtual learning is required. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]