Perceptions of Teachers Educational Unions: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to determine the current situation of education unions qualitatively through the perceptions of teachers. The study is in a survey model and it has been carried out using qualitative research design. The study was carried out during the 2011-2012 education year on a total of 62 teachers, 30 of whom were the members of a union, 32 of whom were not, working for 20 primary schools in Kars province. As a data collection instrument a semi structural interview form was used in the study. Data analysis was done using content analysis tech- nique, one of the qualitative data analysis techniques. According to the result of the study, teachers’ perceptions of educational unions were not positive enough. Teach- ers complained about the huge number of unions, insufficiency the union authorities, and the relationship between union and politics.