Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this research is to conduct a descriptive content analysis of studies on teacher image and to determine the trends in these studies.
Methods/Design/Approach – This research uses document analysis, employing descriptive content analysis to examine studies related to teacher image. This analysis included frequency-based coding to quantify the occurrence of specific keywords and themes related to teacher image. The Web of Science database was searched using the keywords teacher image, professional image, and occupational image. After reviewing titles and abstracts of the retrieved studies, 10 studies relevant to the research scope were selected for final analysis.
Findings – This descriptive content analysis of 10 studies reveals a diverse range of approaches to studying teacher image, reflecting the complexity of the construct. Qualitative methods are predominant in the studies analyzed. The study highlights the influence of media, policy, cultural values, and other factors on perceptions of teacher image.
Originality/Value – This study offers a focused descriptive content analysis of teacher image research. It highlights the prevalence of qualitative methods and the need for quantitative/longitudinal studies, guiding future research.
Practical Implications – The study proposes strategies to combat negative stereotypes and enhance teacher image by addressing sociological, cultural, and media influences.
Keywords Teacher image, professional image, media representation, educational perception, document analysis
Paper type Research paper
Keywords
References
Ansari, U., & Malik, S. (2013). Image of an effective teacher in 21st century classroom. Journal of Educational and Instructional Studies in the World, 3(4), 61–68.
Aslan, N. (2016). Teacher images in Spain and Turkey: A cross-cultural study. Asia Pacific Education Review, 17(2), 253–266. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-016-9423-z
Bağçeci, B., Çetin, B., & Ünsal, S. (2013). Öğretmenlerin mesleki imaj ölçeği. Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences, 12(1), 34–48.
Birnbaum, D., & Somers, M. J. (1986). The influence of occupational image subculture on job attitudes, job performance, and the job attitude–job performance relationship. Human Relations, 39(7), 661–672. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872678603900705
Bozkurt, E., & Kutlu, H. (2021). Öğretmenlik mesleğinin imajı: Toplumsal algı, mesleğin doğası, saygınlık ve gelecekteki durumuna ilişkin deneyimler. Uygulamada Eğitim ve Yönetim Bilimleri Dergisi, 1(2), 114–142.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Çayak, S. (2022). Öğretmenlerin okullarına ilişkin örgütsel imaj algılarının incelenmesi. Eğitim Yönetimi ve Politikaları Dergisi, 3(1), 1–11.
Celep, C., & Celep, C. (Ed. ). (2010). Meslek olarak öğretmenlik. In Eğitim bilimine giriş (pp. 45–74). Anı Yayıncılık.
Chagovets, A., Мyskova, N., Kovrei, D., Bobyrieva, O., & Yokob, A. (2024). Effectiveness of training in building the professional image of future preschool teachers. Revista Eduweb, 18(2), 222–237. https://doi.org/10.46502/issn.1856-7576/2024.18.02.16
Chang‑Kredl, S., & Colannino, D. (2017). Constructing the image of the teacher on Reddit: Best and worst teachers. Teaching and Teacher Education, 64(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.01.019
Dowling, G. R. (1986). Managing your corporate images. Industrial Marketing Management, 15(2), 109–115.
Emesini, N. O. (2016). Process of boosting the image of teachers in Nigeria for good job performance. International Journal of Education Learning and Development, 4(6), 77–83.
Erarslan, R., & Yavuz, M. (2023). Image of teaching profession according to teachers’ evaluations. Research on Education and Psychology, 7(1), 113–126. https://doi.org/10.54535/rep.1295226
Erdem, A. R. (2010). İlköğretim ve ortaöğretim öğretmenlerinin karşılaştığı ekonomik sorunlar ve bu ekonomik sorunların performanslarına etkisi konusundaki görüşleri. Uluslararası İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi, 7(1), 270–287.
Erkaboeva, N. S., & Musaeva, D. A. K. (2022). Factors of developing the professional competence of a teacher of a special education institution. Open Access Repository, 8(12), 109–111.
Esen, Y. D., Temel, F., & Demir, E. (2017). Türkiye’deki öğretmenlerin karşılaştıkları mesleki sorunların ikili karşılaştırma yöntemi ile ölçeklenmesi. Journal of Measurement and Evaluation in Education and Psychology, 8(1), 47–62. https://doi.org/10.21031/epod.297901
Eurydice. (2015). The teaching profession in Europe: Practices, perceptions, and policies (978-92-9201-885–6). Publications Office of the European Union. https://doi.org/10.2797/63946
Gallegos, M., & Emerine, J. (2023). I can still be their mom from a distance: Understanding the experiences of incarcerated mothers in a faith-based parenting program in a United States prison. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 51(4), 404–423. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1080/00909882.2023.2170261
Goodwin, A. L. (2020). Teaching standards, globalisation, and conceptions of teacher professionalism. European Journal of Teacher Education, 44(1), 5–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2020.1833855
Grandy, G., & Mavin, S. (2011). Occupational image, organizational image and identity in dirty work: Intersections of organizational efforts and media accounts. Organization, 19(6), 765–786. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508411422582
Güneş, G. (2007). Tek problem imaj mı? Türkiye gerçeğinde imaj meselesi. Türk Kütüphaneciliği, 21(2), 230–236.
Guzman, A. B., Rosa, P. S. M., & Arcangel, C. N. (2005). The impact of globalization on teacher education: The Philippine perspective. Educational Research for Policy and Practice, 4(1), 65–65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10671-005-3362-5
Hammersley‑Fletcher, L., Kılıçoğlu, D., & Kılıçoğlu, G. (2020). Does autonomy exist? Comparing the autonomy of teachers and senior leaders in England and Turkey. Oxford Review of Education, 47(2), 189–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2020.1824900
Hoyle, E. (2001). Teaching prestige, status and esteem. Educational Management & Administration, 29(2), 139–152.
Judge, H. (1995). The images of teachers. Oxford Review of Education, 21(3), 253–265. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305498950210301
Karamustafaoğlu, O., & Özmen, H. (2004). Toplumumuzda ve öğretmen adayları arasında öğretmenlik mesleğine verilen değer üzerine bir araştırma. Değerler Eğitimi Dergisi, 2(6), 34–49.
Kestere, I., Lozano, R., & Wolhuter, C. (2013). The visual image of a teacher: A comparative study. Acta Paedagogica Vilnensia, 30, 92–103.
Kösterelioğlu, İ. (2021). The effect of the activities within the scope of the 2023 education vision document on teachers’ professional image perceptions. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 79(1), 60–79. https://doi.org/10.33225/pec/21.79.60
Kurok, V., & Tkachenko, N. (2020). Future English teachers’ professional image forming. Postmodern Openings, 11(3), 95–114. https://doi.org/10.18662/po/11.3/201
Misra, S. (2012). Implications of globalization on education. CEEOL, 2(1), 69–69.
Mynbayeva, A., & Yessenova, K. (2016). Distinguishing features of teacher image and faculty member’s image: Comparative study. International Review of Management and Marketing, 6(3), 110–117.
Nenko, Y., Sytnik, T., & Orlova, O. (2020). A study of the level of professional image of future foreign language teachers in Ukrainian universities. Brazilian Journal of Rural Education, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.20873/uft.rbec.e10566
Odabaş, N., Sevindik, Ş., Erdaş, R., & Demirbaş, M. (2024). Öğretmenlik meslek imajının veli ve öğrenci görüşleri bağlamında değerlendirilmesi. Uluslararası Eğitime Özgün Bakış Dergisi, 2(1), 77–92. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10611690
Özata, M., & Aslan, Ş. (2010). Hastanede çalışan hemşirelerin mesleki imaj algılamalarının araştırılması. SÜ İİBF Sosyal ve Ekonomik Araştırmalar Dergisi, 9, 251–268.
Özoğlu, M., Gür, B. S., & Altunoğlu, A. (2013). Türkiye ve dünyada öğretmenlik. Retorik ve Pratik, 1(1), 41–60.
Parnell, A. W. (2010). Image of the teacher in educational leadership. Education Faculty Publications and Presentations, 5(3), 1–18.
Pechinkina, O., & Vepreva, T. (2020). The image of the teacher of English in Soviet and post‑Soviet films. Медиаобразование, 60(1), 178–188. https://doi.org/10.13187/me.2020.1.178
Polat, H., & Ünişen, A. (2016). An analysis of teacher news in Turkish printed media within the context of teachers’ image. Cogent Education, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2016.1179614
Reyes, X. A., & Rios, D. I. (2003). Imaging teachers: In fact and in the mass media. Journal of Latinos and Education, 2(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1207/S1532771XJLE0201_2
So, K., & Park, N. (2022). Can teachers be change agents? A critical analysis of teacher images in school reform policies. The Asia‑Pacific Education Researcher, 31(1), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-020-00536-8
Sönmez, E., & Cemaloğlu, N. (2017). İlköğretim okulu öğretmenlerinin mesleki imaj algısı ile örgütsel vatandaşlık davranışları arasındaki ilişki. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 17(4), 2117–2141.
Sukawati, N. N., Gunawan, I., Prayoga, A. G., & Wardani, A. D. (2020). Teacher personality, interpersonal relationships, performance, and professionalism in the learning process: A qualitative study. Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Education and Technology (ICET 2020), 250–254. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201204.047
Ültay, E., Akyurt, H., & Ültay, N. (2021). Sosyal bilimlerde betimsel içerik analizi. IBAD Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 10, 188–201.
Ünsal, S. (2018). Türkiye’de öğretmenlik mesleğinin statüsüne ilişkin bir pareto analizi. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 8(2), 111–130. https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.379040
Ünsal, S., & Bağçeci, B. (2016). Teachers’ views on professional image and influential factors. Journal of Human Sciences, 13(3), 3905–3926.
Wolhuter, C. C., van der Walt, J. L., & Potgieter, F. L. (2013). The image of the teacher held by learners from 10 different countries: A new perspective on the causes of problems with learner discipline. Koers – Bulletin for Christian Scholarship, 78(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.4102/koers.v78i3.554
Yetim, A., & Göktaş, Z. (2004). Öğretmenin mesleki ve kişisel nitelikleri. Kastamonu Eğitim Dergisi, 12(2), 541–550.
Zakirova, O., & Bakhmutsky, A. (2023). The teacher image interpretation in student teachers: A linguistic anthropology approach. Education Sciences, 13(8), 834. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13080834
Licensing
©️ 2025 The Author(s). Published by Global Educational Research Review.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
The terms of this license allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript or Published Version in institutional or subject repositories by the author(s).
Reprints and Permissions
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any
medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Permission is not required to reuse this article, in part or whole, as long as proper
attribution is given
to the original work.
Keywords
References
Ansari, U., & Malik, S. (2013). Image of an effective teacher in 21st century classroom. Journal of Educational and Instructional Studies in the World, 3(4), 61–68.
Aslan, N. (2016). Teacher images in Spain and Turkey: A cross-cultural study. Asia Pacific Education Review, 17(2), 253–266. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-016-9423-z
Bağçeci, B., Çetin, B., & Ünsal, S. (2013). Öğretmenlerin mesleki imaj ölçeği. Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences, 12(1), 34–48.
Birnbaum, D., & Somers, M. J. (1986). The influence of occupational image subculture on job attitudes, job performance, and the job attitude–job performance relationship. Human Relations, 39(7), 661–672. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872678603900705
Bozkurt, E., & Kutlu, H. (2021). Öğretmenlik mesleğinin imajı: Toplumsal algı, mesleğin doğası, saygınlık ve gelecekteki durumuna ilişkin deneyimler. Uygulamada Eğitim ve Yönetim Bilimleri Dergisi, 1(2), 114–142.
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Çayak, S. (2022). Öğretmenlerin okullarına ilişkin örgütsel imaj algılarının incelenmesi. Eğitim Yönetimi ve Politikaları Dergisi, 3(1), 1–11.
Celep, C., & Celep, C. (Ed. ). (2010). Meslek olarak öğretmenlik. In Eğitim bilimine giriş (pp. 45–74). Anı Yayıncılık.
Chagovets, A., Мyskova, N., Kovrei, D., Bobyrieva, O., & Yokob, A. (2024). Effectiveness of training in building the professional image of future preschool teachers. Revista Eduweb, 18(2), 222–237. https://doi.org/10.46502/issn.1856-7576/2024.18.02.16
Chang‑Kredl, S., & Colannino, D. (2017). Constructing the image of the teacher on Reddit: Best and worst teachers. Teaching and Teacher Education, 64(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.01.019
Dowling, G. R. (1986). Managing your corporate images. Industrial Marketing Management, 15(2), 109–115.
Emesini, N. O. (2016). Process of boosting the image of teachers in Nigeria for good job performance. International Journal of Education Learning and Development, 4(6), 77–83.
Erarslan, R., & Yavuz, M. (2023). Image of teaching profession according to teachers’ evaluations. Research on Education and Psychology, 7(1), 113–126. https://doi.org/10.54535/rep.1295226
Erdem, A. R. (2010). İlköğretim ve ortaöğretim öğretmenlerinin karşılaştığı ekonomik sorunlar ve bu ekonomik sorunların performanslarına etkisi konusundaki görüşleri. Uluslararası İnsan Bilimleri Dergisi, 7(1), 270–287.
Erkaboeva, N. S., & Musaeva, D. A. K. (2022). Factors of developing the professional competence of a teacher of a special education institution. Open Access Repository, 8(12), 109–111.
Esen, Y. D., Temel, F., & Demir, E. (2017). Türkiye’deki öğretmenlerin karşılaştıkları mesleki sorunların ikili karşılaştırma yöntemi ile ölçeklenmesi. Journal of Measurement and Evaluation in Education and Psychology, 8(1), 47–62. https://doi.org/10.21031/epod.297901
Eurydice. (2015). The teaching profession in Europe: Practices, perceptions, and policies (978-92-9201-885–6). Publications Office of the European Union. https://doi.org/10.2797/63946
Gallegos, M., & Emerine, J. (2023). I can still be their mom from a distance: Understanding the experiences of incarcerated mothers in a faith-based parenting program in a United States prison. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 51(4), 404–423. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1080/00909882.2023.2170261
Goodwin, A. L. (2020). Teaching standards, globalisation, and conceptions of teacher professionalism. European Journal of Teacher Education, 44(1), 5–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/02619768.2020.1833855
Grandy, G., & Mavin, S. (2011). Occupational image, organizational image and identity in dirty work: Intersections of organizational efforts and media accounts. Organization, 19(6), 765–786. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350508411422582
Güneş, G. (2007). Tek problem imaj mı? Türkiye gerçeğinde imaj meselesi. Türk Kütüphaneciliği, 21(2), 230–236.
Guzman, A. B., Rosa, P. S. M., & Arcangel, C. N. (2005). The impact of globalization on teacher education: The Philippine perspective. Educational Research for Policy and Practice, 4(1), 65–65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10671-005-3362-5
Hammersley‑Fletcher, L., Kılıçoğlu, D., & Kılıçoğlu, G. (2020). Does autonomy exist? Comparing the autonomy of teachers and senior leaders in England and Turkey. Oxford Review of Education, 47(2), 189–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2020.1824900
Hoyle, E. (2001). Teaching prestige, status and esteem. Educational Management & Administration, 29(2), 139–152.
Judge, H. (1995). The images of teachers. Oxford Review of Education, 21(3), 253–265. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305498950210301
Karamustafaoğlu, O., & Özmen, H. (2004). Toplumumuzda ve öğretmen adayları arasında öğretmenlik mesleğine verilen değer üzerine bir araştırma. Değerler Eğitimi Dergisi, 2(6), 34–49.
Kestere, I., Lozano, R., & Wolhuter, C. (2013). The visual image of a teacher: A comparative study. Acta Paedagogica Vilnensia, 30, 92–103.
Kösterelioğlu, İ. (2021). The effect of the activities within the scope of the 2023 education vision document on teachers’ professional image perceptions. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 79(1), 60–79. https://doi.org/10.33225/pec/21.79.60
Kurok, V., & Tkachenko, N. (2020). Future English teachers’ professional image forming. Postmodern Openings, 11(3), 95–114. https://doi.org/10.18662/po/11.3/201
Misra, S. (2012). Implications of globalization on education. CEEOL, 2(1), 69–69.
Mynbayeva, A., & Yessenova, K. (2016). Distinguishing features of teacher image and faculty member’s image: Comparative study. International Review of Management and Marketing, 6(3), 110–117.
Nenko, Y., Sytnik, T., & Orlova, O. (2020). A study of the level of professional image of future foreign language teachers in Ukrainian universities. Brazilian Journal of Rural Education, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.20873/uft.rbec.e10566
Odabaş, N., Sevindik, Ş., Erdaş, R., & Demirbaş, M. (2024). Öğretmenlik meslek imajının veli ve öğrenci görüşleri bağlamında değerlendirilmesi. Uluslararası Eğitime Özgün Bakış Dergisi, 2(1), 77–92. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10611690
Özata, M., & Aslan, Ş. (2010). Hastanede çalışan hemşirelerin mesleki imaj algılamalarının araştırılması. SÜ İİBF Sosyal ve Ekonomik Araştırmalar Dergisi, 9, 251–268.
Özoğlu, M., Gür, B. S., & Altunoğlu, A. (2013). Türkiye ve dünyada öğretmenlik. Retorik ve Pratik, 1(1), 41–60.
Parnell, A. W. (2010). Image of the teacher in educational leadership. Education Faculty Publications and Presentations, 5(3), 1–18.
Pechinkina, O., & Vepreva, T. (2020). The image of the teacher of English in Soviet and post‑Soviet films. Медиаобразование, 60(1), 178–188. https://doi.org/10.13187/me.2020.1.178
Polat, H., & Ünişen, A. (2016). An analysis of teacher news in Turkish printed media within the context of teachers’ image. Cogent Education, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2016.1179614
Reyes, X. A., & Rios, D. I. (2003). Imaging teachers: In fact and in the mass media. Journal of Latinos and Education, 2(1), 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1207/S1532771XJLE0201_2
So, K., & Park, N. (2022). Can teachers be change agents? A critical analysis of teacher images in school reform policies. The Asia‑Pacific Education Researcher, 31(1), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-020-00536-8
Sönmez, E., & Cemaloğlu, N. (2017). İlköğretim okulu öğretmenlerinin mesleki imaj algısı ile örgütsel vatandaşlık davranışları arasındaki ilişki. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 17(4), 2117–2141.
Sukawati, N. N., Gunawan, I., Prayoga, A. G., & Wardani, A. D. (2020). Teacher personality, interpersonal relationships, performance, and professionalism in the learning process: A qualitative study. Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Education and Technology (ICET 2020), 250–254. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201204.047
Ültay, E., Akyurt, H., & Ültay, N. (2021). Sosyal bilimlerde betimsel içerik analizi. IBAD Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 10, 188–201.
Ünsal, S. (2018). Türkiye’de öğretmenlik mesleğinin statüsüne ilişkin bir pareto analizi. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 8(2), 111–130. https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.379040
Ünsal, S., & Bağçeci, B. (2016). Teachers’ views on professional image and influential factors. Journal of Human Sciences, 13(3), 3905–3926.
Wolhuter, C. C., van der Walt, J. L., & Potgieter, F. L. (2013). The image of the teacher held by learners from 10 different countries: A new perspective on the causes of problems with learner discipline. Koers – Bulletin for Christian Scholarship, 78(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.4102/koers.v78i3.554
Yetim, A., & Göktaş, Z. (2004). Öğretmenin mesleki ve kişisel nitelikleri. Kastamonu Eğitim Dergisi, 12(2), 541–550.
Zakirova, O., & Bakhmutsky, A. (2023). The teacher image interpretation in student teachers: A linguistic anthropology approach. Education Sciences, 13(8), 834. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13080834
Licensing
©️ 2025 The Author(s). Published by Global Educational Research Review.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
The terms of this license allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript or Published Version in institutional or subject repositories by the author(s).
Reprints and Permissions
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any
medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Permission is not required to reuse this article, in part or whole, as long as proper attribution is
given
to the original work.