Educational professions compared in complexity: which training and work paths?

Abstract

This article deals with the educational professions, particularly those defined as "apical" by the current legislation, and it aims to provide a snapshot of the professionals working in different educational fields. We present the results of a survey conducted at the national level through the administration of a questionnaire directed to the members of the main professional association in Italy: Associazione Pedagogisti ed Educatori Italiani (APEI). Based on the analysis of some questionnaire’s answers and the comparison among some selected variables, we reflect on the professions covered by those holding a master's degree, and whether respondents were satisfied with their work by investigating the main reasons. Among the objectives of this research, there is the aim of defining the peculiar traits of the educational professions to distinguish them from other professions operating in the educational contexts, with which they are often confused, in order to allow their social and economic recognition in the world of work.