Community and teacher’s professional development

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This publication explores the relationship between community and teachers' professional development. The first part analyzes the teaching profession, highlighting that teachers form a strong professional group with defined rules. Both professional communities and local schools are crucial for shaping teachers' professional identities. The analysis of teachers' socialization indicates a stable process supported by organized training, which is essential for professional growth. The demands on teachers are increasing due to the need for new knowledge, skills, critical thinking, and creativity, alongside collaboration while respecting individual student needs. The second part focuses on professional development, influenced by individual characteristics, institutional context, and opportunities for collaboration with colleagues. It identifies factors that promote professional growth, emphasizing peer learning and mentoring. Quality training is essential for effective professional development and career progression. However, the process often overlooks teachers' personal needs, teaching perspectives, and sense of belonging. The third part presents data from teachers of varying experience, decision-makers, and education researchers in Slovenia. The publication concludes with recommendations for evaluating teacher education quality, including the need for broader competencies in teacher training, enhanced state exams, consideratio