Professional Identity in ECE: Reclaiming Our “Why”
Early childhood education is a deeply meaningful profession full of heartwork. Educators shape the earliest experiences of children and families in ways that can impact their entire lives. Yet despite the importance of this work, many early childhood educators struggle with their professional identity.
At the same time, educators navigate a field that is continually evolving. Expectations shift, demands grow, and conversations about “quality” and “professionalism” continue to develop. Within this context, taking time to reflect on professional identity can help educators recognize the strengths they already bring while continuing to grow in their practice.
What is Professional Identity?
As Dr. Diane Kashin, Ed. D, RECE. wrote, “Professional identity is the concept which describes how we perceive ourselves within our occupational context and how we communicate this to others” (2019). This includes the values we hold, the knowledge and skills we bring, and the way we view our role. In early childhood education, professional identity is not fixed. It develops over time through learning, experience, relationships with colleagues, and interactions with families and communities. Each experience, challenge, and success contributes to how we see ourselves as educators. Rather than something we need to “find,” it is something we are continually building and refining.
It is helpful to distinguish between professionalism and professional identity.
Professionalism often refers to the expectations and standards of practice within the field, how we communicate, how we uphold ethical responsibilities, and how we engage in ongoing learning (College of Early Childhood Educators, 2018). These are important and visible aspects of our work.
Professional identity, however, goes deeper. It reflects how we understand ourselves within the profession, our beliefs, our values, and our sense of purpose. It is not only about what we do, but how we see ourselves and how we communicate that to others (Kashin, 2019).
Reflecting on Your “Why”
Your “why” might be rooted in a meaningful relationship, a belief in the importance of early learning, or a desire to make a difference in children’s lives. Whatever it is, it deserves to be revisited and honoured.
Reflecting on your “why” ultimately supports you in developing a strong professional identity.
You might consider questions such as:
Why did I choose to work in early childhood education?
What values guide my work with children and families?
What strengths do I bring to my role as an educator?
What areas would I like to continue learning about?
What is the difference between professionalism and professional identity?
Reflection helps us recognize the knowledge and skills that we already bring to our work while identifying opportunities for growth.
Professional identity grows through both confidence and curiosity.
Final Thoughts
Professional identity is shaped in the everyday moments of practice, the decisions you make, the relationships you build, and the care you bring into your work. Taking time to reflect is not about changing who you are as an educator, but about becoming more intentional and confident in how you show up. As the field continues to evolve, your perspective, knowledge, and voice remain essential. Holding onto and reclaiming your “why” is less about looking back and more about carrying it forward, allowing it to guide your growth and affirm the impact you are already making.
If you want to continue reflecting on your identity as a professional, consider registering for Evolving Pedagogy: Understanding, Growing & Applying Your Teaching Identity happening on May 13th at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club. Register for Evolving Pedagogy here.
You can also check out the session recording of Reconnecting with Care, facilitated by Carol Garboden Murray, on Strive Online. If you don’t know the password, email info@striveswo.ca.
References
College of Early Childhood Educators. (2018). Professionalism (practice guideline).https://www.college-ece.ca/en/Documents/Practice_Guideline_Professionalism.pdf
Kashin, D. (2019, June 2). Cultivating professional identity in early childhood education: Top tips! Technology Rich Inquiry Based Research.https://tecribresearch.blog/2019/06/02/cultivating-professional-identity-in-early-childhood-education-top-tips
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