The Social Status of Teaching Profession: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the perception of the social status of the teaching profession in Turkey and what the factors are shaping this perception in the past and present, based on the opinions of teachers. This study is a qualitative research in phenomenological pattern. The data were obtained by semi-structured interviews with 26 teachers, 16 of which were retired. The findings of the study reveal that teachers have negative opinions about the social status of the teaching profession. Teachers base their views on a variety of professional and non-professional factors. The most effective factors are financial gain, relations between the Ministry of National Education and teachers, teacher training system and the employment of teachers.

Keywords

• Social status,teacher,teaching,profession

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