Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development
Teacher Education Specific to Mathematics and Science
In 2001, after reviewing the existing requirements for primary school teachers in accordance with Law Number 4306, teacher education programs were reorganized to meet short term and long term teacher requirements for primary education. Teacher education now takes one of two forms: four year undergraduate education for preprimary and primary school teachers or four year undergraduate education for both primary and secondary school teachers in common subject areas (e.g., foreign languages, music, visual art, physical education, special education, and computer and technology instruction).18
Prospective primary school mathematics and science teachers are required to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from a university department of education, and to achieve a minimum score on the Public Servant Selection Examination. After meeting these requirements, they will be appointed by the Ministry as trainee teachers. After one year, trainee teachers must pass another examination in order to become regular teachers.
Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development
In order to provide financial and human resources for teacher professional development, the Ministry collaborates with universities, the private sector, and other related public institutions, such as the Scientific and Technological Research Council, the Atatürk Supreme Council of Culture, Language, and History, and the Foreign Language Training Center for Government Officers. When deciding what types of professional development to provide, the Ministry considers teacher and school administrator needs, as well as new developments in the field. Each year, the Ministry’s professional development department conducts a needs assessment, selects high priority topics, and develops a professional development plan. The Ministry then announces this plan to staff, including teachers and school administrators, on the Ministry Web page and sends official documents to schools. In addition to the above mentioned programs, teachers and school administrators have the opportunity to register and participate in programs via the Internet.