During the years of early childhood, a child’s mind is vulnerable and easily influenced. Children at this age look to others for guidance and self-affirmation. An educator’s role is to aid in the development of their students’ personalities. Educators know that early childhood students seek approval and look up to them, taking their opinions as truth. The expectations that educators project onto their students affect self-esteem and confidence. Many educators enter a career of teaching due to their passion for positively impacting young lives.
Unique and distinguished teachers further their professional development and effectiveness by continuing their education and seeking knowledge about how to truly inspire a child. An educator who aspires to work with children and create an unforgettable impact may obtain a master’s degree in early childhood education, such as the online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education program at Arkansas State University (A-State).
How Educators Can Influence Young Students
Research from the Society for Research in Child Development shows that student-teacher relationships formed as early as kindergarten matter not only during that year but through the end of third grade, significantly influencing academic achievement, social and emotional development and executive functioning skills. The early years of education may ultimately define the development of personality for these young children.
Educators can attest to the fact that they have never met two students who were exactly alike. Every child is an individual and possesses unique qualities. Every child has different needs that must be met. A teacher who has studied early childhood development recognizes the existence and importance of diversity among young students. Research published in Child Indicators Research shows that teacher affective balance is associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems in children. Students are impacted by a teacher who embraces their individuality and helps them to be confident in their own abilities.
When children are constantly told what they cannot do, they quickly become convinced that those beliefs are a reality. If children are not held to high standards of conduct, they are not likely to set high standards for themselves. A distinguished and compassionate teacher serves as a role model and an advocate for every child they encounter. Heightening confidence can change a child’s mindset from “I know I will not succeed” to “I can succeed.” This positive mentality is believed to increase the potential for young students to succeed.
Educators Helping to Shape Students’ Identities
Obtaining an online Master of Science in Early Childhood Education can assist a teacher in developing their abilities to lead, advocate for and impact their students. Educators may not realize the influence that they have on the students they teach. With roughly 49.5 million students enrolled in public elementary and secondary school education throughout the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, there is an acute need to more comprehensively understand the ways in which children’s development can be promoted through student-teacher relationships.
As an educator to these children and as an adult in their lives, teachers have a responsibility to leave a positive and lasting impression. Teachers can strengthen their relationships with young children by creating an environment of open communication and question-asking, actively listening to their students, and showing empathy by validating emotions. Educators can create a legacy for their students that allows them to realize the greatness that lies within their academic abilities and developed personalities.
Learn more about the A-State’s online MSE in Early Childhood Education program.