Focus group discussions with 21 degree-qualified early childhood education teachers in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and individual follow-up interviews with 10 volunteer participants, were conducted to investigate the teachers' perspectives on early years professionalism. Thematic analysis of the data identified the key elements that made up the teachers' understandings about professionalism in early childhood practice. This included the idea that the attainment of professionalism was a life-long journey towards achieving an ideal image, that of a role model, or "guru." We argue that the notion of role model was a complex one that not only reflected the teachers' aspirations to achieve 'a better classroom' and better pedagogical outcomes for children, but also a broader aspiration to become a better person defined through a number of attitudes--ways of thinking and being--and behaviours that were socially valued within the teachers' community and work context.