Teachers’ professional development: Opportunities and challenges in Türkiye

The purpose of this research is to identify the competencies of teachers, challenges and provide for their improvement in opportunities in teachers’ professional development. The research was carried out with 30 teachers from different branches in the 2022-2023 academic year. The data were analyzed via qualitative research methods using content analysis. The research results showed: inadequate pre-service and in-service education of teachers, lack of funding, lack of planning for teacher training, uncertainties because of varying depth and values in educational policy, and negative characteristics of school managers. Trips abroad, meeting innovative guiding mentors/professionals, helping teachers be more beneficial, developing digital/computer competency, motivating teachers to engage in personal and professional growth are demonstrated as the opportunities teachers have during professional development. Based on the results, the most important suggestions are increasing related regulations and improving teachers’ pre- and in-service education and providing adequate financial support for their participation in professional development.