"To share resources with co-workers, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided"
This ideal means a lot to me within the context of the demands placed on us as teachers regarding continuing education. We are mandated to obtain continual training and education, and in this effort there are many great resources that have been provided to us as teachers. There is another elemenent to this that is present, but troubles me, though. I have had experiences where administrators demand too much collaboration-so that we become "cookie cutter" type classrooms, all doing the same thing at the same time. And then I have had recent experiences where administrators demand we all teach the same thing, and submit and create Learning Focused Schools (LFS) plans, and yet do not give teachers collaborative planning time to do this. I have even had experiences where tools, and grade level resources were removed from our access because having idea sharing was frowned upon!!!
"We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child."
This component of the Code of Ethics from the DEC speaks to me because I take great joy in seeking out the best in every child that comes into my classroom each year. It is essential as a teacher to understand that each child is unique and has something that they are smart at. I remember talking with my husband about his aunt who has mental retardation. He was telling me, "You know, she is really smart in some ways. She can recite whole segments from things she reads" he went on to say. That got me thinking about what I do, and how it is important to nurture every single child because they all have very special gifts.
References:
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
Hi Krista! I enjoy reading your posts and wish you the best of luck in future courses. It is possible that we may get to share our thoughts together in other courses. But if not, I'm sure other colleagues will enjoy learning things from you.
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