Abstract:

During the restrictions of COVID-19, the learning process has become more complex and educators need to develop new competencies. The technical equipment and digital skills of teachers are very important, as well as planning, organization and co-operation of the learning process. Research in 2021 in Latvia shows that only half of teachers believe that they have access to all information technology systems and tools necessary for remote work. Educational research around the world shows that information and communication technology tools and teachers' digital competences ensure adaptation to online learning, productive collaboration with students and achievement of learning outcomes.

The aim of the research: to study the competence of vocational school teachers in the conditions of COVID-19 in order to develop recommendations for their professional development.

Research methods:
1) analysis of scientific literature and documents,
2) survey on teachers' competence,
3) survey “Work during COVID-19 pandemic conditions”,
4) mathematical statistical processing of data with SPSS Analitics. 161 respondents participated in the study.

The study was conducted from September 2021 to November 2021.

The results of the practical research show that vocational school teachers' best developed competencies are effective communication, the ability to work in a different people's environment, the ability to respond to the diverse needs of learners, self-analysis skills, emotional intelligence and creativity. Problems for employees are caused by conflict resolution, use of information and communication technologies, foreign language skills.

Keywords:

Vocational school, competence, digital skills, COVID-19 limitations.