Abstract
The main key to quality education is considered – improving the professional competence of future teachers.A comparative analysis of the definitions of 'competence' and 'competence' is provided. The summarized views of the scientists and the analysis of the practice of forming the professional competence have revealed the main aspects of the «professional competence of a teacher». The professional functions in teachers' activities are considered and on their basis, the main ways for the development of his professional competence are identified. The aim of the article is to describe the main structural elements of professional competence, which are the conditions for effective professional development of future teachers of professional education. The research methods used in the work are content analysis of definitions, system analysis, comparison, generalization.