Top five professional behaviors preschool teachers should know
by DEBORAH J. STEWART, M.ED. on OCTOBER 26, 2009
in ON BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL
Let’s put a positive spin on professional behavior in early
childhood education. Why worry about professional behavior? Professionalism
brings about respect, trust, and credibility. Your parents, coworkers, and
students will all benefit from your ability to carry yourself in a professional
manner.
Here are the top five professional behaviors to practice in
your preschool program.
1. Do communicate respectfully and consistently with your
parents. Preschool parents rely on teachers to not only care for and educate
their children, they also need their feedback and support. Communicate with
parents through a variety of ways such as neatly writing daily reports, sending
out memos, posting daily lesson plans, holding parent/teacher conferences,
hosting parent nights and other special events.
2. Do plan and prepare for your class. This includes making
sure lesson plans are completed and supplies are gathered before class begins
each day. When preschool teachers are prepared, they are more able to handle
the curves thrown at them throughout each day. When preschool teachers are
prepared, they are also able to focus on the needs of their students more
fully.
3. Do dress professionally. This does not mean you need to
wear high heels or a suit and tie. What this does mean is to dress in a manner
that reflects your seriousness about education and being a great teacher. Take
care of yourself and select clothing that compliments your professional goals.
4. Do care about the setup and cleanliness of your classroom
environment. Your classroom is a reflection of you and impacts the needs and
education of your students. Be creative, neat, clean, and organized. Display
children’s artwork in attractive and eye-catching places. Make sure toys are
not broken and shelves are not cluttered. A great learning environment takes
commitment and is a sign of a true professional.
5. Do invest time in professional development training,
courses, conferences, research, and networking. Spend time looking on the
internet for new ideas or talking to other teachers about their great ideas.
Attend local and national conferences when able. Your time in personal growth
as an early childhood educator will be a huge benefit to yourself, your
parents, your coworkers, and especially – your preschoolers.
DEBORAH J. STEWART, M.ED. on OCTOBER 26, 2009
Source: teachpreschool.org
Tags: professional behaviors preschool teachers