Analysis on teacher training policies in Turkey between 2006-2018

The purpose of this study was to present the current situation of teacher training policies in Turkey between 2006-2018 with the historical perspective to analyze and evaluate the teacher training system by examining the problems existed. With this purpose, teacher training system was discussed by focusing on training process, service process and teacher competencies. The data was gathered by reviewing the literature. Laws and regulations, development plans, National Education Councils, national and international policy papers, the papers extracted from the statistics of Ministry of National Education and Higher Education Board and related studies were analyzed. In literature review of the study, reforms and policy papers in teacher training by 2006-2018 were also presented to give a holistic view to the policies on teacher training in Turkey. The findings were analyzed regarding to training process, service process and teacher competencies. According to the results, candidate teachers are accepted to the training programs by the centralized exam designed by Student Selection and Placement Centre (OSYM) required for higher education. Teacher training programs and pedagogical formation programs are arranged according to the needs. In service process, teachers are appointed by Civil Servant Selection Examination (KPSS) and oral exam and they are employed in different positions as permanent, substitute and contracted teachers. Teacher competencies are defined as Professional Knowledge, Professional Skill and Attitude and Values. By analyzing the results of the study, some suggestions are made for researchers and practitioners.