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!