Research On Teachers’ Professional Identity In Private Kindergartens

Private kindergarten teachers are an important force to promote the development of preschool education in China.However,the uneven professional standards of private kindergarten teachers and the instability of the teaching force have seriously affected the healthy development of private kindergartens and preschool education in China,while positive teachers’ professional identity is conducive to promoting the professional development of kindergarten teachers and the stability of the teaching force.Therefore,in the new situation where preschool education in China is moving towards the stage of high-quality development,it is of positive significance to study the professional identity of teachers in private kindergarten.By reviewing the existing research literature,this study clarified the relevant core concepts and research contents,then identified the dimensions of measuring teachers’ professional identity and the influencing factors on the basis of the Teachers’ Professional Identity Scale compiled by authoritative scholar Wei Shuhua,and prepared the questionnaire and interview outline on professional identity of private kindergarten teachers.Taking the private kindergarten teachers in City N as the research object,this study conducted a survey of 287 teachers in 20 private kindergartens and analyzed the current situation and problems of teachers’ professional identity by SPSS26.0 software,also analyzed the reasons behind the problems combining the interview results of 8 kindergarten teachers and 4kindergarten directors,then put forward the countermeasures to improve teachers’ professional identity in private kindergartens.The research shows that the overall level of professional identity of kindergarten teachers in City N is relatively high,but the level of identity in each dimension is uneven,among them,the identification level of professional values is generally high,but there are also problems such as the low level of identification with the professional role of kindergarten teachers,the relatively negative tendency towards professional behavior,and lack of a strong sense of professional belonging among some teachers.The reasons for these problems are as follows:(1)Individual factors of kindergarten teachers.In addition to the significant influence of individual characteristics of kindergarten teachers such as age,teaching age,monthly income level and professional title,they are also influenced by individual psychological factors of the teachers,including the lack of commitment in choosing this career and low sense of career self-efficacy of kindergarten teachers;(2)Organizational factors of private kindergartens,including the low satisfaction with salary and welfare benefits,the insufficient teacher training and the lack of a democratic management atmosphere;(3)Social factors,including the low social status and professional prestige of private kindergarten teachers and the inadequate implementation of private kindergarten teachers’ treatment policies.In response to the above findings,the following countermeasures are proposed:(1)At the individual level of kindergarten teachers: enhance professional role identity and professional confidence;(2)At the organization level of private kindergartens:strengthen organizational incentives and management;(3)At the societal level: the government,media and society work together to create a good social support environment.