Teaching as a Professionalism through Teachers’ Perspective

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate teacher professionalism within the framework of teachers' opinions. For this purpose, 45 teachers working at different educational levels and different types (primary, middle and high school) schools in a city located in eastern part of Turkey were included as participants. The data were collected through interviews and the data were analyzed through the content analysis method. The participants with sufficient professional and personal development level stated that they attended graduate education, read books, and followed the innovations to improve themselves. Also, it was found that teachers should be encouraged and motivated to advance their development. The biggest obstacle for their development, teachers mentioned school administration, parents and students. Teachers suggested that these obstacles must be overcome to increase teachers’ willingness to advance their professional and personal skills, and in turn, to increase schools’ achievement levels. Suggestions for future research is also provided.