An investigation of teachers' perceptions of personal and professional competence

The aim of this study is to examine teachers' perceptions of personal and professional competence in terms of various demographic variables. The research was conducted using the descriptive survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample consisted of 505 teachers working in the province of Isparta. Data were collected using the "PersonalProfessional Competence Perception Scale" and analyzed with the SPSS software. The findings revealed that teachers' perceptions of personal and professional competence significantly differed based on variables such as gender, age, professional seniority, educational background, and the type of residential area in which they work. It was found that female teachers had higher perceptions in communication and social skills, whereas younger and less experienced teachers demonstrated lower perceptions in subject-specific competencies. The results indicate that teacher education programs and inservice training policies should be reconsidered in terms of supporting personal and professional development.