Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting teachers' professional competencies and to develop suggestions for teachers to increase their professional competencies. The research was carried out within the framework of the case study, which is one of the qualitative research models. The study group of the research consists of 20 volunteer teachers working in different branches in the provinces Aksaray, Kayseri and Nevşehir in the 2019-2020 academic year. Convenience sampling was used to identify the participants. In the study, a semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. The form developed by the researcher consisted of eight open-ended questions that reveal teachers' thoughts on factors affecting their professional competence. The data of the research were analyzed by using content analysis method. A computer-aided qualitative data analysis program was used to analyze the obtained data. Factors affecting teachers' professional competencies in general terms were found as; pre-service education, attitude towards the profession, school climate, professional experience, professional development, family and social environment and economic situation. As a result, it can be said that there is a need to make professional development plans to provide teachers' professional competencies. In this context, comprehensive and continuous professional development programs can be prepared and implemented in order to increase the professional competencies of teachers.

Keywords: