Professional Development of Teachers in Europe

Abstract

The configuration of teachers with a high level of professionalism, their proper preparation for the profession and their appropriate training support, are today a common goal for all countries of the European Union. Nowadays more than ever, the role of the teacher is so close to the role of the student, as teachers teach and at the same time are taught in a continuous environment of professional development. The meaning of teacher’s development is found in their personal and professional lives, as well as in the school environments in which they work, since the nature of their profession requires to be committed to the direction of their professional development during their careers. However, teachers are not required to participate in all European countries and their non-participation has no negative consequences. The lack of associate teachers and the cost of the training programs are a disincentive to participate in them in many countries.