LIVED EXPERIENCES OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: CHALLENGES AND IMPACT ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Academic Year 2016-2017 ushered the beginning of the full implementation of the K to 12 program of the Department of Education (DepEd) as mandated through R.A. 10533 otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 which featured the adding of the last two years in the Basic Education commonly referred to as the Senior High School. The said educational breakthrough and advancement has threatened the security of tenure of university teachers both from the public and private schools, respectively.. Through this new government program, the HEI college teachers were given an option in their teaching profession. It is at this point that the researchers decided to embark on this study which aims to have an in-depth understanding on different experiences of instructors from higher education institutions teaching in senior high school, their challenges and impact on their professional development. The main sources of data were from the interviews and focus group discussion participated in by the teachers who came from both public and private higher education institutions. Thematic analysis was done to analyze and interpret the results of the study. Teachers encountered different challenges like a shift in school culture, school climate and work habits which are all evident in the public school system. Support system from the school administrators and the entire government agency was perceived having a great impact on the professional development of the teachers currently deployed in the senior high school.