The Influence of the Pandemic on the Affective States of School Principals and Teachers: A Comparative Study between South Africa and Latvia

Leentjie van Jaarsveld (), Lasma Latsone, Charl Wolhuter and Branwen Challens
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Leentjie van Jaarsveld: Faculty of Education, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
Lasma Latsone: Center of Education and Social Work, Riga Technical University Liepaja Academy, LV-3401 Liepaja, Latvia
Charl Wolhuter: Faculty of Education, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
Branwen Challens: Faculty of Education, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-23

Abstract: This study explores the extensive influence of COVID-19 on the affective states of school principals and teachers. A comparative, qualitative study was conducted on Latvian and South African participants’ experiences during the pandemic, with a focus on leadership, change, extra workload, ICT, and uncertainty. A total of 59 participants from rural, urban, and private schools in both countries took part in this study. Data were collected by conducting interviews with open-ended questions after which themes were identified and grouped. The results demonstrated that the states of mind of Latvian school principals and teachers were more affected than those of South Africans for whom vaccination was not compulsory. Furthermore, it was found that technological adaptation was easier for Latvian than for South African educators. The role of the Department of Education has evoked mixed feelings. Leadership, and the lack of it, also influenced the affective states of school principals and teachers. Emotional support from society, family, and colleagues was experienced differently in Latvia than in South Africa. The results of this study revealed that a pandemic can be experienced differently by principals and teachers but also that there are similarities in these experiences, as no one is ever completely prepared for the effects of a pandemic.

Keywords: affective state; COVID-19; Latvia; South Africa; teachers; principals; leadership; school environment; job security; support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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