What is soz?

SOZ is a Turkish abbreviation for "Sözleşmeli Öğretmen," which translates to "Contract Teacher." It refers to teachers employed on a contractual basis by the Turkish Ministry of National Education (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Turkish%20Ministry%20of%20National%20Education).

These teachers are not permanent civil servants but are employed for a fixed term, usually with the possibility of renewal. The terms of their employment, including salary and benefits, may differ from those of permanent teachers. Key aspects of SOZ include:

• Contractual Employment: The defining characteristic is the employment based on a contract (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Contractual%20Employment).
• Fixed Term: SOZ positions are typically for a defined period, often one or more academic years.
• Renewal: Depending on performance and need, contracts may be renewed (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Contract%20Renewal).
• Geographic Limitations: SOZ teachers were often initially assigned to areas deemed in need of teachers, sometimes in more rural or underserved regions of Turkey (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Teacher%20Assignment). Regulations regarding the possibility of transfer have changed over time.
• Civil Servant Transition: There have been governmental initiatives to transition SOZ teachers to permanent civil servant status (https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Civil%20Servant%20Transition) after a certain period of service and meeting certain requirements. This policy varies over time.
• Employment Security: Historically, SOZ teachers had less job security than permanent teachers.

It is important to note that policies related to SOZ positions and the transition to permanent status have been subject to change, reflecting political and educational priorities.