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Qualifications of Preschool Teachers
December 16, 2011
The hope is always here, always alive, but only your fierce caring can fan it into a fire to warm the world.
-Susan Cooper
-Susan Cooper
"I assume that when one is attracted to any field, certain intrinsic individual qualities exist that propel that person to seek a position... thus, ‘loving children’ or ‘having a nurturing personality’ are givens for me. Having a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood and working under the supervision of a highly-skilled professional are most important. The workshops and additional trainings that reflect current best practice bolster that foundation.” — Kathryn Keene, WMCC, Berlin, New Hampshire
“In the words of Marian Wright Edelman, ‘You can have the best equipped school, smallest class size, and a great curriculum, but if teachers... do not love children, children will know it — and be hurt’.” — Kayren Woolum, Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission, Defiance, Ohio
“The qualities I found missing in the list of choices were the habits of being a lifelong learner, passionate curiosity, problem-solving behaviors, and open-mindedness. If we wish to provide the rigorous learning environments that truly nurture whole children — their hands, heads, and hearts — we must see ourselves as learners first and teachers second.” — Holly Hartman, Presbyterian Preschool, Stillwater, Oklahoma
“I was not surprised to see most of these qualifications on the list and would largely agree. I was surprised, however, not to see ‘sense of humour’ on the list! For me, it is an essential qualification to teach young children.” — Heino Schonfeld, CES, Dublin, Ireland
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Comments (9)
Displaying 5 of 9 Comments [ View all ]Playtime Learning center
Newport News, VA, United States
I support the need of teachers becoming life-long learners. This industry is always changing, children and their families dynamics require a lot of attention. If you do not have the education on how to handle these unique situations you could find yourself in an uncomfortable place. I do agree that the love is number one thing a teacher must have, but they must be willing to embrace the contiuned education so they will be able to service the families with their very best.
NZ Tertiary College
Auckland, New Zealand
Teaching with Love is an essential ingredient of a passionate early childhood teacher. In my article "Where is the love? Putting love at the heart of early childhood teaching" I wrote "It is my belief that love is the greatest gift that anyone can bestow. To love, to be loved, and to know love; there is nothing more fulfilling" and I went onto say "love is vital in supporting children to grow healthy in mind, body and spirit".
CCSC
Stanford, CA, United States
Interesting responses...if this love and passion for working with children is so obvious and at the heart of great staff why isn't it more valued? I think continuing education and professional development is important, but obtaining a BA may be out of reach for many devoted, "natural" early educators. These quality staff are working in their jobs for 30-40 hours a week, having families and then being expected to complete a degree program during off hours...it is somewhat unrealistic.
NAEYC's drive toward that is driving many great teachers into business for themselves and creating a situation where education is valued more than quality of care and experience...sad.
ECD Resource Center, IED, BRAC University
Dhaka, Bangladesh
I agree with all of them who had given points on this issue. But I re-include a point is teachers to have proper understanding about their job responsibilities which are not only a list of works/activities rather than addressing the each child's need. For this reason, they need to hands on and creative skills to address child's need. Finally, they need loving attitude towards their job.
First Presbyterian Church First 5 Years
Lawrence, Kansas, United States
The list of Characteristics a wonderful preschool teacher might have is ENDLESS...sensese of humor, caring, loving, nurturing crafty/artsy. What people seem to be missing is that the article was to be about Qualifications not Personal Characteristics. I, like Kathryn Keene, believe "that when one is attracted to any field, certain intrinsic individual qualities exist that propel that person to seek a position... Having a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood and working under the supervision of a highly-skilled professional are most important.” I have met many wonderful people with an amazing love for children, who were drawn to the field of early childhood only to find that they could not handle it. I stongly believe that their furstration and disinchantment with teaching was a direct result of their lack of education and training in the field.
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