1.2 The Teacher as a Professional
Holly Lanoue, M.Ed.
In a bold strategic initiative called Power to the Profession, NAEYC made the statement that “positive relationships are at the core of quality, investing specifically in early childhood educators is the best thing we can do to improve early childhood education” (2020, p. 3). Because you are enrolled in this course, it is safe to say that you are interested in becoming a professional within the field of early learning and recognize that positive relationships are at the core of our work. The Power to the Profession initiative is attempting to recognize that the work we do in the classroom each day is a very important profession within our society. It is critically important that the behavior we engage in each day reflects the professional ideals of the field.
Being recognized as a professional goes beyond the personal traits discussed earlier in this chapter. It also requires the typical soft skills a good employee might need (being at work on time, having a positive attitude, communicating well, keeping personal grievances outside of the workplace) and also includes following the values and ethics outlined by the profession.
Early childhood professionals are diverse with different perspectives. This is why we turn to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct (2011), to provide an understanding of professional behavior. The Code can also serve as a guide to help resolve ethical dilemmas.
Code of Ethics
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct (2011) provides the field with a set of professional beliefs and commitments. As previously mentioned, this code can guide our daily work, as well as assist as a reference when faced with ethical dilemmas in the workplace.
The Code is composed of ideals and principles, but at the very foundation of the Code is a set of core values. These core values express central beliefs, commitments to society, and the common purpose of our profession.
Core Values
- Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.
- Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn.
- Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family.
- Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society.
- Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague).
- Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues.
- Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect. (NAEYC, 2011, p. 1)
Most people within the field of early learning find themselves in agreement with the core values set forth in the Code. As you grow within the profession, you might begin to see alignment of your personal values reflected in your daily work. Chapter 2 will provide a deep dive into the code of ethics published by NAEYC.
Advocacy
Many people believe that the smartest investment a country could m