How Do Teachers Understand Democratic Education, Equal Opportunities and Their Roles in School

To talk about democracy in school, several basic principles must be observed that secure democratic organization of schoolwork and equal access to education. The aim of this study, then, was to inquire into teachers’ beliefs towards controversial behaviors that might be noticeable in schools (e.g. relations with students, extra-curricular tutoring, and teachers’ attitudes towards his/her own work (intrinsic/extrinsic).By focusing on questions such as: Who do teachers perceive as responsible for their professional development; How do teachers perceive their work with “good” and “bad” students; and How do teachers perceive their ability to influence the workings of their school? we are led to understand the manner in which teachers beliefs play out in school. These beliefs become important if school is to fulfill its role for democratic society.