RESGATE DO SENTIDO DA DOCÊNCIA NO ENSINO INFANTIL

Abstract

The appreciation and strengthening of teacher identity are essential to ensuring the quality of education. However, a 2022 survey conducted by the organization “Todos pela Educação” shows that 93.0% of the teachers surveyed disagreed that the profession is as valued as that of medical doctors, engineers, or lawyers. A literature review was conducted to understand professional appreciation and its impacts on teacher identity within the school context. It was found that the actions carried out by these professionals in early childhood have low visibility, which affects how educators identify themselves and how this is perceived by society. This project aims to value the engagement of the teaching staff of a non-governmental, non-profit educational and assistance organization in the face of the challenges of the profession. The extension activity included three meetings with the educators of the Assistance Institution. Expository dynamics were carried out to create a space for listening, recognition, and exchange, using self-reflection methodologies to stimulate the recovery of meaning and professional engagement. Feedback from participants showed 100.0% satisfaction; the actions were well received and provided moments of self-awareness, support, and appreciation of the profession.