The problems of the beginning teacher in the Arab schools in Israel

Abstract

This article focuses on the problems of beginning teachers in the Arab sector in Israel. The participants were 146 beginning teachers, 5 mentors, and 5 advisors. The research measurements included an open-ended question and a semi-structured interview. Our research revealed many different cultural aspects related to most of the problems of the beginning teachers. These problems are accompanied by difficult conflicts within the beginning Arab teachers who are exposed to western democratic educational models which are partially rejected by traditional Arab culture and society. The expectations of the teacher to become an agent of change in Arab society are not fulfilled in the first year, in which he/she tries to fit into the school, as well as the culture from which she/he comes and to which he returns. The problems which the beginning teachers report are related to didactic and disciplinary knowledge, adjustment to the organizational climate and culture of the school, problems of work overload, and individual differences among the pupils.