Understanding the role of the teacher's professionalism in Slovenian primary schools

Majda Hafner

Summary:  A qualitative study on the development of the professionalism of teachers was conducted in two schools. The nine teachers interviewed understand professionalism as expert knowledge or a qualification that is important for successful teaching. This shows that they have a traditional view of the professional teacher. The interviewees consider lifelong learning and permanent education, in the sense of the teacher’s willingness to improve, to be very important elements of professionalism. The teachers see seminars offered by schools as appropriate. They all see exterior obstacles to the development of their professionalism.