The concept of professionalism in educators is complicated and multidimensional. Just like other professions, teaching “has its own unique set of ethical concepts and professional values which define and frame ethically responsible conduct” (Maxwell & Schwimmer, 2016). Discussing about professionalism helps educators to explore the core values and ethical obligation of teaching (Maxwell & Schwimmer, 2016). Qualities of professionalism varies among educators as everyone has different understanding and values towards professionalism. In my opinion, professional educator should be educated, experienced, and committed to ongoing professional development.
First, a professional teacher is educated and experienced. M. Tichenor and J. Tichenor (2009) examined, from surveys completed by …show more content…
“Early childhood educators [should] understand the sequences and patters of child development and cultural influences on those patterns…to create environments and plan programs that are responsive to the children in their care” (Early childhood educators of BC, p. 4). Teachers should also have the pedagogical knowledge about children to develop best practice (Tichenor & Tichenor, 2009, p.12). For example, teachers should understand that children have “hundred languages”, in which they communicate their ideas and thoughts, even if they are not verbal yet (Edwards, Gandini & Forman, 2012, p. 203). A professional teacher, in this case, should be able to interpret children’s different ways of communicating, such as paying attention to the children’s body language (Edwards et al., 2012, p. 203). When educators have sufficient pedagogical knowledge, they can then plan their curriculum and activities accordingly to each child’s individual needs. Lastly, professional teachers should have knowledge about the resources available for the children, families and themselves (Tichenor & Tichenor, 2009, p.12). This is rather important
First, a professional teacher is educated and experienced. M. Tichenor and J. Tichenor (2009) examined, from surveys completed by …show more content…
“Early childhood educators [should] understand the sequences and patters of child development and cultural influences on those patterns…to create environments and plan programs that are responsive to the children in their care” (Early childhood educators of BC, p. 4). Teachers should also have the pedagogical knowledge about children to develop best practice (Tichenor & Tichenor, 2009, p.12). For example, teachers should understand that children have “hundred languages”, in which they communicate their ideas and thoughts, even if they are not verbal yet (Edwards, Gandini & Forman, 2012, p. 203). A professional teacher, in this case, should be able to interpret children’s different ways of communicating, such as paying attention to the children’s body language (Edwards et al., 2012, p. 203). When educators have sufficient pedagogical knowledge, they can then plan their curriculum and activities accordingly to each child’s individual needs. Lastly, professional teachers should have knowledge about the resources available for the children, families and themselves (Tichenor & Tichenor, 2009, p.12). This is rather important