Effects of the COVİD-19 pandemic process in Türkiye on the development and management of human resources included in the MEB 2023 education vision

This study investigates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Türkiye on the development and management of human resources within the framework of the 2023 Education Vision published by the Ministry of National Education (MEB) in 2018. The study examines the reflections of the pandemic process on the professional development experiences of teachers and school administrators, their contributions in the context of change management, and the challenges they faced in the light of qualitative data. A case study design based on multiple data sources, such as semi-structured interviews with school administrators and examination of official policy documents, was used in the study. While the vision document aimed to manage human resources with the principles of merit, transparency, and sustainability and to restructure professional development, crises such as the pandemic brought about unplanned and reactive changes. The pandemic made it necessary to increase teachers' digital competencies and tested the crisis management skills of administrators. According to the research findings, the pandemic process accelerated digitalization and online professional development programs. However, teachers stated that online trainings were less effective compared to face-to-face trainings. Although the Teaching Profession Law is an important step, it has been criticized for its exam-focused career structure and lack of incentives for academic studies. The perception that reward systems are far from objectivity and transparency prevails. Although digitalization has improved access to education and feedback processes, it has also increased teachers' workload and highlighted inequalities in digital access. Our research has revealed the need for a more sustainable, needs-focused, equitable and participatory approach to the development and management of human resources in education.