EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

Lesson 27: The Qualities of an ECE Teacher

Introduction

Early childhood teachers differ from others in the field of education. Team teaching, teacher child interactions, small group emphasis and adult relationships are more emphasized in the ECE schools than in other types of formal schools. The teaching role is not restricted to just working with the children. They have to play multiple roles. They need to supervise and manage the classroom, interact with children and a number of adults. They need to attend meetings, write the reports, organize parent conferences and materials to purchase or prepare.

The student teacher gains valuable experience working directly with children under the supervision of a mature teacher. In the beginning the teachers may have anxieties but as they pass through several stages of teaching they gain confidence and become more effective. As they integrate teaching style and personality they become whole teachers.

“A teacher is like a light-house which shows the right path to people in darkness"