The Challenges Faced by English Teachers in Iranian Schools and Their Training

The major objectives of this research were to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by English teachers in Iranian schools and their training. The research was carried out on a sample of 728 English teachers from junior and senior high school in 32 provinces of Iran. Self-reporting questionnaires were conducted as a survey method. The results of this study indicate that the biggest challenges faced by English teachers seems to be teaching mixed level classes, managing behavior discipline, choosing appropriate activities and materials, and relating to students. Around one-thirds of teachers had no pre-service training in teaching English prior to teach students; the problem is compounded by lack of support and in-service training, three-fourths of teachers didn’t have any in-service training. Approximately half of those surveyed did not have probationary periods; in addition, four-fifth of them had no support during their first of teaching. Overall, Many teachers felt not well prepared for teaching English. Overall, the evidences from this study recommend that current teachers’ training programs should be modified and outlines some recommendation to overcome these challenges.