Abstract:

The professional development of the teacher is one of the factors that influence their professional success. While research reveals the relationship between the teacher’s character and academic success (Barnett, 2003; Levin, 2003), the need for the teacher’s character in practice is increasing. These initiatives are based on the teacher’s inspection that begins with the establishment of the situation at school. In order to ensure the professional development of the teacher, it is necessary to determine the existing situation related to the professional development in the first place. The aim of this research is to determine the opinions of teachers about professional development. The research is designed in the case study pattern of the research methods. The work group consists of eight teachers who work in two official high schools in Aydın or Efeler district. The research data was collected in the spring semester of the 2017-2018 academic year through semi-structured discussions, analyzed by content analysis. As a result, teachers experience various difficulties in the early stages of their professional life. The teachers have a professionally oriented understanding. Teachers are most involved in local service training and some issues related to them are discussed. Although one of the most important elements for professional development is motivation, the motivation of teachers is quite low and the profession is focused on carrying out. The factors that prevent their professional development are based on a number of administrative problems. Teachers have a need for a professional development life based on their needs. For this, both the school managers and the Ministry of Education need to make some arrangements. Teachers should be given organizational support based on their motivation and needs. Researchers can conduct research on management support and guidance in professional development.

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