Perceptions of Professional Competency among Teachers and Student-Teachers

If professional competencies were of any importance in any educational environment, they would be clearly and emphatically covered in teacher training and in-service training programs in that environment, leading to a common perception among both working teachers and student-teachers. To explore this situation here in Kordestan, a group of 16 student-teachers and 15 working teachers were interviewed in a semi-structured manner. Data analyses led to the identification of themes and their classification across both groups. Comparison of the two sets of data reveals that the student-teachers perceive professional competency to be having a teacher’s characteristics, professional preparedness, response to the changing environmental demands, and the ability in interacting and communicating with others positively. The other group, on the other hand, perceive competency as being able to impact the environment and the potential beneficiaries, knowledge and ability to communicate positively, appearing in multiple roles, and abiding by the professional principles.