Thesis:

Examining the challenges of teachers purchasing services regarding career development

The present study aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities in the career development of service-purchase teachers in the Iranian educational system. This research employed a qualitative design using thematic analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine service-purchase teachers and educational experts, and analyzed with MAXQDA 2020 software. The findings revealed that these teachers face several barriers, including the absence of a clear career path, limited promotion opportunities, weak professional identity, unfavorable working conditions, lack of managerial support, and insufficient reward systems. On the other hand, opportunities such as collaborative learning, mentorship from experienced teachers, and participation in school decision-making can support their career development. The results highlight the necessity of revising human resource policies, providing relative job security, redesigning performance evaluation systems, and creating supportive structures. These insights can guide policymakers and educational managers in enhancing the professional quality of service-purchase teachers and improving the overall educational system.

Keywords: Keywords: Service-purchase teachers, Career development, Thematic analysis, Professional identity, J