Religious culture and ethics knowledge teaching and professionalism

The main goal of the education is to train individuals who can cope with the differences and uncertainties of the century, who are equipped with the problem-solving skills, are productive, and who can give a positive direction to the future on the basis of moral principles. Today, teachers, the most important actors of educational activities, are responsible for raising such generations. Some researchers suggest that by reflecting the concept of professionalism in education and by educating teachers in this direction will provide opportunities for teachers to be better equipped and ready for their tasks with superior effort, devotion, and performance in fulfilling their duties. Here, professionalism is defined as practicing the profession of the teacher by respecting the differences of the students, doing their best to reveal their students' abilities, increasing their knowledge for their students, and trying to retain high standards in teaching practices. Considering the contributions and impacts of the professionalism in education and students' learning, it is believed that this concept may also play a key role in the training of the 'Religious Culture and Ethics Knowledge Teachers' [DKAB] in order to improve the quality of religious education activities. In this study, first, the relevant literature of professionalism and professionalization in education and religious education were reviewed, and then the characteristics of professional teachers, in general, and professional DKAB teachers, in specific, were discussed. Based on the theoretical framework, DKAB teachers perceptions of professionalism were examined by conducting semi-structured interviews with eighteen DKAB teachers. The results of this research revealed that, in general terms, DKAB teachers see teaching as a professional profession, try to fulfill the expectation of their students and the society, but they cannot provide full impartiality in the face of differences and do not feel professional in general. Thus, there is an urgent need for studies that will strengthen the neutrality of teachers in the face of differences and support the development of professional attitudes. Key Words: Professionalism, Professionalism in Education, Professionalism in Religious Education, Religious Culture And Ethics Knowledge Teachers.