This study examines the changing process and characteristics of state-led teacher training in order to analyze the causes and implications of the state-led teacher training policy, which seeks to develop the professionalism of teachers but unable to suggest fundamental solutions and improvement measures, despite the constant demand for improvement. From the perspective of historical neo-institutionalism, this study attempts to analyze the policy objectives and the teacher professionalism underpinning the institutionalization of state-led teacher training and interactions in the structure, institution, and actor-level.
The results show that the teacher training policy in Korea went through a gradual change from the policy introduction period (1945-1990), policy settlement period (1991-1999), and quantitative expansion period (2000-2009) to quality management period (2010-2019). In addition, it is argued that the change took the form of layering as a pattern of path evolution. In this study, the quality management period is divided into two periods: first, the quality management period for policy internalization (2010-2013), with the introduction of the teacher evaluation for professional development and evaluation of teacher training institutions. Second, the quality management period for teachers’ capacity-building (2014-2019), with increased diversity in training contents and methods and community approach to teacher learning.
Based on the results of the analysis, it is suggested that there is a possibility for establishing a consumer-centered system with enhanced policy outcomes if teachers’ training needs are reflected in the gradual change of the teacher training policy. To this end, however, it is necessary to establish a systematic support system linking Ministry of Education and schools, and to enhance teachers’ participation in their own professional development and instructional capacity-building.