SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The aim of the article is to form a holistic view of social expectations for a primary school teacher in the twenty-first century and to substantiate their impact on the content of professional activity, interaction with educational stakeholders, and requirements for professional development.The object is the professional activity of a primary school teacher in the context of modern social changes, digitalization, and the growing demand for inclusiveness and pedagogical support for children.The article reveals the content of social expectations for a primary school teacher in the twentyfirst century as a set of societal demands for his role, competencies, and ethical standards in teaching and educating primary school children.It is determined that modern primary education is viewed not only as a space for mastering basic educational skills, but also as an environment for the formation of values, social behavior, a culture of interaction, and a stable motivation for learning.The expectations regarding the teacher's ability to combine academic rigor with care, to provide a psychologically safe climate, to support the child's self-esteem, and his willingness to cooperate with peers are characterized.It is established that the teacher's communicative competencies are of particular importance, since he acts as a coordinator of interaction between students, parents, administration, support specialists, and the wider community, as well as a mediator in resolving conflicts and agreeing on rules.The need for inclusive approaches that adapt learning to the different educational needs, different rates of development and different social experiences of children is substantiated, which requires differentiation of tasks, careful pedagogical observation and support of learning motivation.It is proven that the digital environment increases public expectations of the teacher as a guide to media literacy and responsible behavior on the Internet, including the development of skills of a critical attitude to information, respect for privacy and a culture of communication.