Teacher Professionalism Within the Community
This study examines the current trend of teacher status as viewed by teachers, parents, and community members. The status of teachers has changed over history from one of a revered scholar who imparts knowledge on future leaders to one of a civil servant who is at fault for the ills involving today's young people. Five teachers, five parents, and five older adults were interviewed and responded to open-ended questions regarding their impressions about teachers and teaching today. The data were analyzed to identify common themes throughout the interviews. Results indicated that the general perception of teachers has changed in the last 20-25 years. Many of those interviewed stated they thought teaching to be very important and could not understand the generally low status of teachers in our society. It was also discovered that teachers are not well respected as a group but more as individuals. While perceptions of teachers by community members has lessened, their importance in the lives of children has increased.
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