Abstract
EXAMINATION OF TEACHERS' PROFESSIONALISM AND AUTONOMY LEVELS
The purpose of this study is to deeply examine teachers' perceptions of professionalism and autonomy. Teachers make positive or negative contributions to educational processes with the attitudes they exhibit in school or outside their professional lives. While technological developments are rapidly advancing, educators' responsibilities and job descriptions are also changing in line with updated methods. It is of great importance for teachers to express their original thoughts when making decisions about education or when these decisions are put into practice and for all stakeholders to participate in these processes. Autonomy is generally defined as the ability to take the necessary steps within the framework determined for certain purposes. It advocates that teachers should be able to control the necessary decisions by making them themselves since they are the most relevant people in education. The expansion of teachers' autonomy and the start of practices mean providing effective participation in school and related policies. Although teacher autonomy provides the ability to act independently, it gradually turns into a concept used to mean being isolated and acting alone. In this context, teacher autonomy does not mean acting alone or being completely independent, but rather participation in decision-making processes together with colleagues, administrators and students. Thus, teachers, as professional and responsible individuals, are in both an authorized and responsible position in educational policies and practices. In this context, teacher autonomy refers to broad areas of responsibility such as having a say in educational practices, policies, reforms and initiatives, and active participation in decision-making processes. The expansion of teachers' areas of authority and responsibility in this way during the education and training process directly affects their participation in decision-making processes. Teachers' effective say in educational decisions both enables them to use their professional autonomy and contributes to their professional development. Professional professionalism is seen as a concept closely linked to teacher autonomy. Teachers' effective use of their autonomy is considered an important element that requires increasing their level of professionalism.
Keywords
Professionalism, Autonomy, Teacher Professionalism, Teacher Autonomy
