Professionalism is acting in accordance with agreed-upon professional standards and ethical codes of conduct. There is a difference between behaving in a professional manner and being a professional. Bergen (1992) identified three characteristics of being professional.

1. Professional knowledge: An understanding of the body of knowledge that composes the area of professional expertise.
2. Competent practices: A high level of competence in the practice of the skills identified as essential for effective professional performance.
3. Ethical behavior: A commitment to ethical standards embraced by the group of professionals in the field.

How Do Early Childhood Educators Become Professionals?

Professional knowledge, competent practice, and ethical behavior are all developed through a systematic approach to your career. You can develop these facets of your professional identity by:

• Seeking Opportunities for Growth & Learning: Knowledge comes from outside sources and self-reflection. Professional development can come from many sources including attending conferences or trainings and reading research studies. Professional growth can also occur from engaging in self-reflection. Educators can reflect on current research, best practices, and how their own beliefs and practices affect children. Reflective practice allows professionals to identify what needs to change to improve their teaching and child outcomes.
• Participating in Professional Associations: Early childhood associations are committed to improving the lives of children and their families through advocacy and professional development opportunities including conferences, trainings, committees, access to journals and other publications, and community service. Membership in a professional association provides growth opportunities to educators such as presenting at conferences, joining committees, holding elected offices, and writing or reviewing manuscripts.
• Working With Others: Educators often learn the most within their own communities as they discuss research topics, teaching practices, and ways to improve programs with colleagues. Quality programs make time for professionals to meet and discuss ideas, challenges, and make important program decisions. Developing relationships with colleagues can help professionals get to know each other. It’s important for professionals to spend time with colleagues who are positive mentors and roles models.
• Taking a Stand: An important part of career development is taking a stand on professional issues and being able to articulate a rationale for what early childhood educators do and why. Advocacy is critical for improving practices and conditions for children and families. This can include things like positing information on a program’s website, writing letters to representatives, or joining a committee to stand up for what is best for children and families.
• Renewing Professional Knowledge: Research and knowledge about child development and education is ongoing. To stay current, professionals should read professional publications weekly, review information on national associations’ websites regularly, and engage in teacher research.

Professionalism is an ongoing, life-long process that requires time and commitment to enhance our knowledge, develop competence in practices, and demonstrate a commitment to ethical standards.

Sources

Bergen, D. (1992). Defining a profession and developing professionals. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 13(3), 3–5. https://doi.org/10.1080/10901027.1992.11089968

Castle, K. (2009). What do early childhood professionals do? Dimensions of Early Childhood, 37 (3), 4-10. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ883575