Table 1_Rural public primary school educators' challenges and emotional well-being during COVID-19 in the North West province: South Africa.docx

Although previous research examined the education system's response, limited attention was given to the difficulties and emotional burdens experienced by educators themselves. This qualitative research study described the challenges and emotional well-being of public primary school educators in the North West province (South Africa) during the pandemic, addressing an important gap in understanding their lived experiences.

Data were collected online using individual semi-structured interviews from ten educators and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed intense emotional strain among educators, primarily due to the abrupt shift to virtual teaching, insufficient resources, and limited institutional support. Educators felt overwhelmed, anxious, and underprepared for the demands of remote instruction.