An analysis of educational professionalism is presented within the framework of sociology and class stratification. If a profession is defined as any area of human activity which requires some level of advanced skills or education to perform, there should be certain prerequisite conditions, such as the acquisition of necessary knowledge and skills, and certain conditions relative to professional performance, such as resolving problems for the client, advancing knowledge, etc. The following set of requisite conditions regarding the "professional pedagogical act" are set forth: (1) It (the act of teaching) should enhance the professional pedagogue and client so that they emerge from the relationship as subjects, not objects; (2) It should enable the professional pedagogue to participate fully in curriculum and policy decisions; (3) It should assist the professional pedagogue and client to acquire personal meaning of life; (4) It should engender in the professional pedagogue and client a sense of autonomy; (5) It should enhance the professional pedagogue's ability to care for others; and (6) It should enable the professional pedagogue to share with others. (JD)