Why is professionalism such a controversial subject among educators? Why is there a raging debate about whether some sectors of the education community qualify as professionals? What does professionalism really mean in the education field and, in practical terms, what does all of this mean to you on the front lines?

Dr. Stephanie Feeney is Professor Emerita of Education at the University of Hawaii and author of "Professionalism in Early Childhood Education: Doing Our Best for Young Children." Dr. Sue Martin is Co-author of "Perceptions of Professionalism Among Individuals in the Child Care Field."

Sarah Garland is a staff writer at the Hechinger Report, a nonprofit news organization that focuses on education journalism