Abstract
This article summarizes the findings of a qualitative research carried out by fifteen (15) teachers in the regional units of Argolida and Corinth on the subject of the participation of Secondary Education Teachers in Professional Development Programs during the period of the financial crisis in Greece. The research with a semi-structured interview attempted to explore the followings: a) the conceptual approach of “Professional Development” by Secondary School Teachers, b) the impact of financial crisis in the teachers’ professional development, c) their attendance in Professional Development Programs, d) the efficiency of the Professional Development Programs during the period of economic crisis and the teachers’ suggestions. As a result of the research, Secondary Education Teachers consider their Professional Development as component of Lifelong Learning. During this period of financial crisis, teachers tend to participate in Professional Development Programs, focusing on self – training activities and on distance learning, while they propose ways of improving the existing Professional Development Programs, aiming on their professional improvement and development.
