Professionalism in early childhood education

Graduation Date

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Education, 2009

Committee Chair Name

Ann Diver-Stamnes

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Professionalism, Infant/toddler teacher, ECE, Career ladder, Early childhood education, Pre-school teacher, Cognitive dissonance, Self-perception, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Education

Abstract

In this explorative research project, data from questionnaires, interviews, and a focus group was collected and analyzed in order to explore aspects of the self-perception of professionalism in the field of early childhood education. Data was analyzed using three overarching themes that emerged in the literature: defining the profession, action and advocacy in the profession, and self-perceptions of early childhood educators. The data revealed that these three themes have significant inconsistencies that contribute to a state of disequilibrium and dissonance experienced among early childhood educators, creating obstacles to the move toward greater professionalism in the field of early childhood education.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/st74cs73w

Share

 
COinS