Analysis of changes in teacher education bachelor's programs between 2020-2024 based on YÖK Atlas data

In recent years, the teaching profession has emerged as one of the most widely debated topics at the level of higher education, becoming a focal point for various regulatory efforts. Within this context, the primary aim of this study was to examine the changes observed in undergraduate programs of education faculties in Turkey during the 2022- 2024 period, utilizing data from the YÖK Atlas platform. The study analysed data for a total of 21 distinct teaching programs, processed separately for public and private universities. A descriptive survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was employed, and the data obtained from the YÖK Atlas platform were analysed using SPSS 26 software. According to the findings, significant gaps in enrolment quotas were observed in certain teaching programs (e.g., science education and elementary mathematics education). For instance, in 2024, the quota vacancy rate in science education programs rose as high as 68.5%. This situation suggests that the teaching profession is losing its appeal and that perceptions of limited employment opportunities for graduates persist. Furthermore, it was observed that public universities generally admit students with higher academic achievement compared to private universities. Cluster analysis results also revealed that the most significant factor influencing the preferences of prospective teachers was the availability of scholarships, with tuition-free education at public universities standing out as the most prominent variable.