What is required to become a good kindergarten teacher?
Jacqueline is now in her second year at DMMH and has chosen a line that emphasizes multicultural understanding in kindergarten. She is committed to supporting and helping parents who are new to Norway, who may not have the same knowledge or understanding of how the kindergarten system works.
She believes that being a kindergarten teacher is an attractive job, but that there are many prejudices associated with the profession. She believes that being a kindergarten teacher is much more than what many people think it is about.
As a kindergarten teacher, professional competence is needed on children's prerequisites and understanding of the similarities and differences that exist in kindergarten. Only then do you have an environment where all children feel seen and heard, emphasizes Jacqueline.
Openness strengthens relationships
Furthermore, Jacqueline says that kindergarten teachers must not only show openness to the children, but also to the different people they meet during the workday, including parents and colleagues. This also involves meeting criticism with openness and reflecting with colleagues on the situations that arise.
– It is important to have good communication skills to create a safe environment for the children. We must dare to ask ourselves what we could have done differently in situations that have arisen, and how we can become better at meeting different challenges, says Jacqueline.
– You must dare to challenge yourself
For Jacqueline, the kindergarten teacher job is more than just a job. She sees it as an opportunity to develop personal qualities in a positive way. One of her biggest challenges has been leadership, but she is already considering further education in leadership or special education at DMMH.
– We got the opportunity to work in a kindergarten already from the first semester. Through the internship periods, we gain valuable experience and insight into all the fields in the kindergarten. I am very glad that my practice teacher challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and feel the leadership qualities. I have learned a lot from it, says Jacqueline.
Took the education at DMMH in Trondheim
DMMH, Queen Maud University College, is the only educational institution in Norway that has the education of kindergarten teachers as its main task. The school offers various bachelor's and master's degrees in addition to further education.
– I got the opportunity to be at the school and talk to the teachers before the application deadline. It was then that I really opened my eyes to the study, even though I have always heard that I am good with children. I think there are many who actually want to become kindergarten teachers, but who do not dare. My advice is to just do it, concludes Jacqueline with a smile.