Bertram, Carol Anne.Jacobs, Lauren.2023-10-202023-10-2020232023https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/handle/10413/22412Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.When schools closed due to the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in March 2020, teachers were not able to teach as usual, and lost their face-to-face connections with colleagues and learners. This research study focused on a primary school located in KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg. It aimed to explore teachers‟ professional relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, the support the school management team (SMT) provided them, and how teachers provided support and guidance to colleagues. The study is a case study of a public primary school. There were six teachers and two SMT members who participated in the study. Hargreaves‟ three characteristics of teacher expertise, emotional practice of teaching, professional judgment and professional capital served as a conceptual framework to analyse the data. Data was generated through interviews and collages. It showed that teachers were required to adapt or acquire technological skills to upload content for learners to access. Teachers feared how the curriculum would be covered. The findings revealed a difference of opinions among teachers and SMT members about the support that the latter provided the former during the pandemic. The SMT believed they provided adequate support to all teachers during the lockdown in March and when schools reopened in July 2020. The majority of teachers also felt the support they received from the SMT was suitable, while some teachers felt they received no support.enCoronavirus (COVID-19).Coronavirus (COVID-19)--Effect on schools.COVID-19 pandemic--Effect on teachers' professional relationships.Thesis