Analysis of the Professionalization Pathway from the Perspective of Pre-University Teachers

This study addresses the issue of maintenance and career advancement of teachers from the pre-university education system. The research direction represents the perspective of the needs experienced by teachers during the first 10-15 years of their teaching career. These differ according to their professional experience, creating distinct professional approaches and goals. During the first five years of professional activity, the aim is to acquire stability in the teaching career and to obtain a consolidated professional status. The focus is on the emotional approach, counselling/psychological support and career guidance (good career prospects) also being required. After the first 5 years, efforts to promote career development stages are complemented by ongoing concerns to improve teaching practice. At this stage, teachers must benefit from career guidance (managing and planning their progress in the teaching profession) and support in improving professional practice. For teachers with more than 10 years of experience, the main aim is to achieve a high level of competence, expertise and professional maturity, which involves career guidance (development of new skills related to the profession; opportunities to build on and broaden their experience; new professional roles and responsibilities) and support in enriching professional practice.