Support Your Colleagues

Early childhood educators do not make a lot of money. That is just a plain, simple, albeit sad fact. We spend our day caring for little ones and educating them. But, how do we treat our colleagues?

In the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct, there is an entire section that focuses solely on our ethical responsibilities to our colleagues. The first principle reads:

P-3A.1—We shall recognize the contributions of colleagues to our program and not participate in practices that diminish their reputations or impair their effectiveness in working with children and families (NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct).

I have worked in centers where teachers are amazing with the children, but spend countless hours engaging in gossip and drama amongst their co-workers. To what end? To get them fired? Why? To take their position for the extra few cents it pays?

Instead, think of ways to empower one another! Take the energy spent on gossiping and use it to plan ways to support each other. Use your ability to care and nurture to do the same for your fellow teachers.

When children in our classrooms argue or fight, we work with them on conflict resolution. When a colleague does something to upset us or hurt us, what do we do? The second and third principles in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct addresses this topic:

P-3A.2—When we have concerns about the professional behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person know of our concern in a way that shows respect for personal dignity and for the diversity to be found among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the matter collegially and in a confidential manner (NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct).

P-3A.3—We shall exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of co-workers. Statements should be based on firsthand knowledge, not hearsay, and relevant to the interests of children and programs (NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct).

Go directly to the source and respectfully discuss any issues or concerns. Don't start by telling everyone else in the center. Spreading gossip only brings hurt and harm. Talk openly and honestly with each other.

Finally, we spend our day making sure that all of the children in our classroom feel included, loved, and respected. Do the same with your co-workers. We are all different and unique. We all deserve respect and acceptance.

P-3A.4—We shall not participate in practices that dis- criminate against a co-worker because of sex, race, national origin, religious beliefs or other affiliations, age, marital status/family structure, disability, or sexual orientation (NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct).

Early childhood educators work so hard to create positive environments for young ones. We need to do the same for each other in our centers. Take a moment to brighten each other's day!

The Power of Color

This poem was too good not to share! It makes you think differently about the colors you use in your classroom. It also gives another dimension to color other than just what a child might see.

The Power of Color

By Shelley Hoster

Close your eyes and reach inside the heart of you. Look there and you will find colorful authentic power, it’s true. See the powerful rainbow of colors inside the depths of your soul. Each one represents a different power that will help you achieve your goal. ·       GREEN is the power of growth like the leaves on a tree.  Use it to explore and change who you want to be. ·       RED is the power of energy, attention, and zest.  Use it to spark your learning and to swirl up your best. ·       BLUE is the power of focus like the river’s constant flow.  Use it to express yourself, it will show you where to go. ·       YELLOW is the power of light and gives you cheer.  Use it to shine to others and make your message clear. ·       ORANGE is the power of communication that bonds like glue.  Use it to bring fusion with others who are dear to you. ·       PURPLE is the power of dreams and to search who and where you are.  Use it to reach way up high to touch the highest star. ·       BROWN is the power of comfort, like a house safe and warm.  Use it if you need to feel secure and safe from all harm. ·       BLACK is the power of mystery and intrigue like darkness of night.  Use it to make people wonder about you and to step out of the light. ·       WHITE is the power of courage and the alertness of light.  Use it to reflect upon life and to make your future bright. ·       PINK is the power that is calm and serene.  Use it to add peace and harmony to your scene This rainbow of colors within you is a reflection of character from red to blue. Use them wisely and they will bring a prism of authentic power to you! Shelley Hoster is a preschool teacher at Jack and Jill Early Learning Center in Norcross, GA. This poem was written at the Challenging Teachers Institute in Summer 2003 after investigating how colors affect the learning environment and how all teachers have authentic powers.