Teaching career and recognition of the significance of teaching: working conditions and professional development

Abstract

Aiming to discuss aspects of the working conditions of teachers of basic education in Brazil and their professional development we used data from the survey "Remuneration of public elementary schools teachers: settings, deadlocks, impacts and perspectives" held in twelve Brazilian states and their capitals. We analyzed the career plans, with regard to: level of training/formation to start the profession; weekly working hours; incentives for continuing training/formation; advancement/progression in the career. It was observed the need of improvements in three important aspects - the expansion of tenure track hiring , the establishment of a full-time working day and the regulation of leave of absences for continuing education - in order to establish a professional career that contribute to the necessary political and social value of the profession. Despite the importance of teachers to promote quality education, several issues still need to be addressed in order to ensure effective working conditions for teachers.

Keywords:
teacher´s working conditions; teaching career; educational policies; recognition of teaching