Teachers of the 21st Century. Professional Competencies in Catalonia Today

Abstract

This study explores the competencies that teachers need and it aims at both determining whether teachers currently have them and proposing training strategies that can contribute to achieving them. The research is based on quantitative and qualitative methods, through the use of a survey answered by school leaders of schools (n=281) along with interviews to some of them that lead well known innovative schools (n=29). The results reveal how today’s schools need teachers who can constantly acquire new competencies, particularly personal and relational ones. Thus, a teacher’s professional development follows a progression in which both social-emotional competencies and sound classroom management are crucial. Another area of emphasis lies in joint efforts between schools and universities and the need to consult the educational teams at schools when devising educational policies or designing training plans. The results also show that teachers partly have these competencies, with implications for universities and continuing education. Thus, this study aims to be a major step towards improving the fitting between the educational needs of schools and the professionals graduated by universities.