Mismatched Teachers’ Experiences in Public Junior High Schools: A Phenomenological Research

Mismatched teachers’ experiences in Public Junior High Schools: A Phenomenological Research. Objectives: This research aimed to describe the mismatched teachers’ experiences who have shared the phenomenon of teaching non-related subjects for approximately two or more years in ten public junior high schools in Jambi City. More specifically, this study explored their experiences, challenges, and coping strategies in dealing with professional mismatches. Methods: This qualitative research utilized a transcendental phenomenological design, purposeful participant sampling, and interviews as the primary data collection. Moreover, the constant comparative method was used by the researcher to analyze the interviewing data in this research. Findings: The findings identified three major themes: belief in God, unsolvable problems, and receiving and giving regarding the mismatched teachers’ experiences in teaching non-related subjects in the current schools. This research found that belief in God played a central role in motivating teachers to persevere despite difficulties. Teachers also encountered systemic challenges, including a lack of administrative support, inadequate teaching materials, and mismatched recruitment policies. However, many teachers developed strategies to manage classroom challenges, student engagement, and discipline. Additionally, receiving and giving emerged as a crucial aspect of their professional lives, where teachers sought support from peers, administrators, and personal faith while also mentoring new teachers. Conclusion: There were three significant themes; believe in God, unsolvable problems, and receiving and giving discovered in this research.  These themes represent their emotional, professional, and institutional issues faced by mismatched teachers. These findings suggest the need for policy improvements, such as targeted professional development, access to appropriate teaching resources, and better recruitment practices to support mismatched teachers. Recognizing their dedication and struggles can lead to more effective educational policies that enhance teacher well-being and student outcomes. While mismatched teachers exhibit resilience and adaptability, addressing their challenges is essential to maintain educational quality in public schools.

Keywords: phenomenological research, mismatched teachers.