This qualitative, phenomenological study aims to determine teachers' perceptions of the social status of the teaching profession in Turkey, and the factors have shaped this perception over time. The data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 26 teachers, 16 of whom were retired. The findings of the study reveal that teachers have negative opinions about the social status of the teaching profession. Teachers base their views on a variety of professional and non-professional factors. The most effective factors are financial gain, relations between the Ministry of National Education and teachers, the teacher education system, and teacher employment.