Why is there a need for a Teaching Profession Law?
As in many other professional fields, the various challenges encountered in the teaching profession have made it necessary to legally secure the rights, responsibilities, and professional standards of teachers. For example, the difficulties faced by contract and hourly-paid teachers harm the reputation and effectiveness of the profession. These teachers experience serious problems regarding job security and financial rights. Challenges in appointment and relocation processes reduce teacher motivation, and regional disparities and surplus staffing negatively impact equal educational opportunities. Additionally, inconsistencies in salaries and employment benefits decrease job satisfaction and professional efficiency. the lack of clearly defined pathways for professional development and career advancement also undermines teachers' professional identity and status.
Occupational laws provide clear rules and standards in such areas and serve to offer professionals a solid roadmap. While such laws exist for professions like healthcare, law, engineering, architecture, and accounting, the absence of a professional law for educators until recently was considered a significant gap.
What was the purpose of the existing Teaching Profession Law, and what gap did it fill?
the current Teaching Profession Law was enacted on February 3, 2022, and came into effect on February 14, 2022, with the aim of regulating teachers’ professional development and career progression. It was particularly intended to address the legal void that emerged after the Constitutional Court annulled some provisions related to the “career steps” system introduced in 2005.
Although its scope has been criticized as limited, the enactment of this law has been positively received by educators. the primary goal of the law is to regulate the appointment, professional development, and career advancement of teachers who serve in education and teaching. It aims to make these processes more transparent and fair, and provides a structured career path through titles such as Specialist Teacher and Head Teacher.
Following the implementation of the law, hundreds of thousands of teachers received these titles, which also led to improvements in their salaries within public institutions.
What changes and regulations does the new Teaching Profession Law propose?
the new Teaching Profession Law, which was brought to the Turkish Parliament's agenda in June 2024, covers all processes concerning teachers as well as the establishment and functioning of the National Education Academy. the draft includes regulations on the selection, training, appointment, rights, and responsibilities of teachers. Key areas of the draft include:
Purpose of the Law: Strengthening teachers’ status and supporting their professional and career development. It also includes the establishment of the National Education Academy.
Fundamental Principles: Sets out the basic principles of the teaching profession.
Preparation and Qualifications: Defines teaching as a specialized profession requiring general knowledge, subject expertise, and pedagogical training. Teacher candidates are required to receive preparatory training at the National Education Academy.
School Administrators: Unlike the previous law, this version specifies the duties and responsibilities of school administrators related to education and instruction.
National Education Academy: Details the duties and organizational structure of the Academy, which will support teachers’ professional development and provide training for administrators. Teacher candidates will undergo three or four terms of preparatory training.
Rights and Responsibilities: In addition to the rights and duties outlined in the Civil Servants Law No. 657, it Defines specific rights and responsibilities related to the teaching profession.
What specific changes does the new law introduce?
the new law introduces significant improvements in teachers’ professional development, career progression, and working conditions. It seeks to make appointment and relocation processes more transparent and fair. It emphasizes participation in both pre-service and in-service training at the National Education Academy and Defines clear requirements for general knowledge, subject expertise, and pedagogical formation.
It also provides teachers with social security coverage during their preparatory phase and strengthens employment benefits. Professional ethical standards are established, and legal protections against violence faced by teachers during their duties are enhanced. For instance, deliberate injury against teachers in relation to their work will be considered grounds for pretrial detention.
Like the existing law, the new law continues to support career progression through titles such as Specialist Teacher and Head Teacher. According to the draft, teachers who complete ten years in the profession and complete the required training by the Academy may be awarded the Specialist Teacher title. Those who serve an additional ten years and complete further training may earn the Head Teacher title. Specifics regarding applications and certification will be regulated through additional legislation.
What could be the potential outcomes of these changes?
Public discussions and parliamentary sessions have emphasized the need for broader participation and expert input during the drafting process. the National Education Academy is now expected to bear a significant responsibility in teacher training and pedagogical formation by implementing a three- or four-term preparatory program. All teacher candidates, including education faculty graduates, will be required to attend. However, this extended training program risks overlapping with existing university curricula.
the law's potential to address the issues of private school, contract, and hourly-paid teachers may reduce status-based inequalities and promote greater fairness within the profession.
Undoubtedly, the new Teaching Profession Law will have significant implications for both the education system and teachers. It is expected to improve teachers’ job satisfaction and motivation. Career progression and professional development opportunities will help teachers feel more valued and secure, positively affecting the quality of education.
Improved working conditions will foster a safer and more supportive work environment. Enhanced legal protection against violence will allow teachers to perform their duties with greater confidence. Long awaited by stakeholders, this legal regulation is likely to restore the prestige of the profession and elevate its societal status.
In the long run, these changes are expected to enhance the overall quality of the education system and contribute to improved student outcomes.
