Teacher’s Views Regarding the Social Status of the Teaching Profession

This study aims to investigate the views of teachers from different generations (X-Y) working in public elementary schools, specifically in different levels of the social status. In this study, a qualitative research methods called phenomenological design was utilized. The study group is comprised of 20 teachers working in public elementary schools, 10 of whom are from generation X and 10 of whom are from generation Y. The collected interview data was analyzed using content analysis. According to the research findings, teachers view the teaching profession as having a lower status compared with other professions (88%) and previous years (100%). Teachers indicate that the reasons for this attitude are new top management policies (24.4%) and low pay (14.6%). The most frequently mentioned policy of the Ministry of Education that affects teacher social status is the 147 Hotline/Grievance Line (43.75%). Some suggestions based on results were included in the study.