Research article | Open Access
Turkish Journal of Teacher Education 2026, Vol. 15(1) 1-21
The Evaluation of Status and Selectivity Perceptions in the Teaching Profession
pp. 1 - 21
Publish Date: June 30, 2026 | Single/Total View: 22/19 | Single/Total Download: 41/83
Abstract
This study examined teachers’ perceptions of their professional status and selectivity using quantitative data and assessed whether these perceptions vary by demographic and contextual factors. The study used a general survey design. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire completed by 520 teachers from various educational levels and residential areas. The analysis used descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and ANOVA. Teachers’ perceptions of overall status and selectivity were generally low to moderate, with a mean of M = 2.82 on a five-point Likert scale. Sub-dimension analysis showed the highest perception in 'Professional Competence and Confidence' (M = 3.45), and the lowest in 'Social Prestige and Respectability' (M = 2.24). This difference was statistically significant (F = 18.62; p < .05). Contextually, teachers in villages and small towns reported higher perception scores (M = 3.55) than those in city centers (M = 2.44), highlighting the impact of socio-cultural environment on professional status. However, perception scores for expert teachers (M = 3.20) and head or master teachers (M = 3.95) remain below expected levels, suggesting that the current career hierarchy has not yet generated enough momentum to enhance professional prestige and that the system offers limited social and professional recognition.
Keywords: Teaching Profession, Career Ladders, Status Perception, Selectivity Perception, Social Prestige
APA 7th edition
Yildirim, O., & Gilic, N. (2026). The Evaluation of Status and Selectivity Perceptions in the Teaching Profession. Turkish Journal of Teacher Education, 15(1), 1-21.
Harvard
Yildirim, O. and Gilic, N. (2026). The Evaluation of Status and Selectivity Perceptions in the Teaching Profession. Turkish Journal of Teacher Education, 15(1), pp. 1-21.
Chicago 16th edition
Yildirim, Osman and Naci Gilic (2026). "The Evaluation of Status and Selectivity Perceptions in the Teaching Profession". Turkish Journal of Teacher Education 15 (1):1-21.
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