Preschool Teacher Education in South Korea and Türkiye: A Comparative Analysis and Reform Proposals

Abstract

This study compares the preschool teacher training systems of South Korea and Türkiye through a literature-based systematic review, utilizing official sources and academic literature. It examines factors such as employment, national income, education duration, school starting age, weekly class hours, holiday periods, and university admission requirements. Additionally, it analyzes teacher training program content, teacher age distribution, female teacher ratios, student-to-teacher ratios, net teaching hours, annual salaries, the proportion of teachers choosing teaching as their first career, and job satisfaction levels. South Korea’s success in international assessments, particularly PISA, is attributed to its advanced preschool education system, which could guide Türkiye’s educational reforms. Findings reveal South Korea offers higher salaries and greater professional satisfaction, while Türkiye’s teachers face heavier teaching loads. The study provides insights for improving Türkiye’s education system through reforms tailored to its socio-cultural context, contributing to the literature on comparative education and preschool teacher training.