Professional Development from the Perspective of Kindergarten Teachers in the Czech Republic

Abstract

The paper focuses on the professional development of kindergarten teachers in the Czech Republic, presenting the results of a research survey conducted between April and September 2023. The study examines teachers’ motives for further education, available professional development opportunities and expectations related to the application of newly acquired knowledge in the innovation of the educational process in kindergartens, taking into account current changes in educational needs. The main aim of the research was to identify the educational needs of female teachers in the areas of child education, management and personal development. The qualitative research was conducted using a non-standardized interview method, which provided insight into the reasons and conditions of teachers’ professional development, as well as their opportunities to apply newly acquired skills in practice. The results were compared with similar research from 2017–2020. In particular, digital technologies and the desire to “keep up with the times” were identified as new learning needs. Teachers also expressed a lack of recognition of their professional work by parents and the public, which they perceived as a significant gap in practice.