The Profile of Turkish Pre-School Teachers

Abstract

The significant technological advances observed in the 21st century and resulting sociological changes require social adaptation. These changes created an essential role for the teachers to instruct the changing qualifications. The present study aimed to determine the profile of preschool teachers in Turkey. Thus, this research was designed as a descriptive study. The study group included 652 teachers. Most of the teachers participating in the research were female participants. Most of the teachers are graduates of pre-school education. However, there are also teachers who have graduated from child development and other fields. The "Turkish Preschool Education Student Profile Questionnaire" developed by Erkan et al. (2001) was adapted by the authors to research the teacher profile. When the findings were examined, it was found that 86% of the teachers participated in educational activities, and these educational activities generally participated in in-service trainings, scientific conferences and cultural events belonging to the ministry; they usually participate in these activities whenever they have the opportunity; the reasons for participating in educational activities are usually due to the lack of time and family situations; It has been determined that the hobbies of teachers are reading books, music, movies, theater and social media. In addition, it was determined that most of the teachers willingly chose pre-school education, as the reason for this, they generally showed that they love children and love to teach. Teachers stated that they volunteered to be a preschool teacher and that they love and care about children. The findings are discussed in the light of the relevant literature. Then recommendations are given.