Square Peg in a Round Hole: Stories of The Non-English Major Teachers Teaching English Subjects

The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry is to describe the lived experiences of the non-English major teachers teaching English subjects. In-depth interview and focused group discussion were employed in the study in data collection. Findings revealed that out-of-field teachers experience difficulties and burden while in the situation. To cope with the phenomenon, participants reported to use different mechanisms which include keeping a positive attitude and making efforts in self-improvement. In terms of the insights of the participants towards out-of-field teaching, three themes were generated involving seeing it as a positive experience, a challenging experience, and a human resource problem. Based on the generated themes, it is implied that the role of the school heads and administrators is of much importance in the welfare of the teachers. The number one goal of the school heads is to minimize, as much as possible, the instances of out-of-field teaching in the school. Should it be inevitable, the school heads must provide these teachers with the necessary support they needed to perform well in the subject loads assigned to them.