Time Well Spent

 Three deeply felt learnings from my program Early Childhood Education- Leadership, Management, and Administration at Walden University.

1. Through this program I have learned the importance of research and reading new research to remain current with information in the field of early childhood education.  
2. I learned about a multitude of associations and organizations on the local, national, and international level in the field, that I can participate in or affiliate with as a professional. 
3.  Also, through this program I have learned ways to advocate for young children and families.  I learned ways to communicate, educate, motivate others. 

A Long-Term Goal

I would like to increase public awareness about the importance of early childhood education.  I also want to be a leader in the efforts for universal Pre-K in Tennessee. I will continue my work as a Pre-K teacher and to make a difference through my work with young children and their families.  During this time I would like to become the director of a public Pre-K program.

You can find my e-mail at the bottom of my profile.

International Job/Roles in the ECE Community

In my last blog post I explored associations, organizations, and agencies that foster the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field that were available to me on a national/federal level.  This post references two organizations, and one association on the international level.  

These, like the others, have inspired my thinking about my opportunities in the early childhood field. These organizations and association can be found by clicking on the yellow links in this post.

Save the Children

 Save the Children is the leading independent organization to help children in need.  The organizations works and advocates to positively change the lives of children through healthcare, education, and providing economic opportunities to families. Save the children provides supports for learning inside and outside of the classroom.  In 2011 they reach more than 10 million children through educational opportunities. Currently at Ripley Primary School where I am teaching they house a Save the Children program that provides opportunities for children to learn and play after school in a safe environment.  There are several teachers involved in the program and the children seem to have fun each afternoon.  The organization in 2011 improved the the lives of over 85 million children in some way.  

Jobs - There are several jobs available through this organization.  They can be found at the following link Save the Children/ Careers.  There is one that I am interested in that is in Colorado. A Coordinator for a program called Early Step to Success.  Although it is not outside of the United States it would allow me a position within this organization.  This position is for an Early Childhood Coordinator for a program that will prepare children for Kindergarten and inform families in the community of the importance of early childhood education.  This program will also build strong school/home connections. 

Qualifications - I feel that I am qualified for this position, and may possibly be too qualified for hire.  You must have an AA degree and at least 2-3 years experience in the field.  They ask that the applicant be familiar with home visits, have experience with families and children in a rural area, experience leading a parent group, maintain accurate records, and have experience collaborating with other early childhood programs in the community.  I meet all of these qualifications, but the one I am concerned about is the need to have experience working with pregnant women.  This is one area that may prevent me from obtaining this position.  

Alpha Delta Kappa

This is an organization that is an international honorary organization of women educators.  They work to ensure educational excellence, altruism and world understanding. This is also impart a Community of Practice as their are local chapters that meet monthly within the organization.  I am a member of my local chapter.  It is a community of practice in that you have to be asked to join by another educator, but through this organization your efforts to improve the education of children is supported and encouraged.    They are headquartered in Kansas City, MO, but have more than 33,000 members world wide. The organizations works within communities through projects that help children all over the world.  One project currently underway is the school being built in Peru through the work of ADK and Bridge Builders International.  More on this project can be found at Building H.O.P.E. for Brighter Futures.  

Qualifications - An active member of the honorary organization, must see educational excellence in an educator, when recommending someone for membership.  Initiation into the organization by at large members is required, and dues must be paid to remain an active member. 

ACEI

Association for Childhood Education International

This association promotes social change through its members and works to provide equity in educational settings, quality educational content, and ensure a child's right to an education.  The members of this organization can form networks within their nation or city, it may be big or small.  This networks are also a community of practice.  These are smaller groups formed by members of the ACEI to work in an area of education to make a social change.   The involve themselves in numerous societal issues and work to impact the issues for the betterment of society.  I was unable to locate in jobs within this organization, but membership information can be found at the following link ACEI membership.  Membership in this organization provides excellent opportunities to connect with educators around the world and access to global news through journals in the early childhood field.   Their current featured initiative is through UNICEF and can be found at Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities. 

Qualifications- A person seeking membership must be an educator in the early childhood field, and should want make a difference in education for the betterment of society. Yearly membership dues are required.

National/Federal Level Jobs and Communities of Practice in ECE

In my previous blog post I explored associations, organizations, and agencies that foster the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field that were available to me on my local or state level.  This post references an association, fellowship, and community of practice on the national and/or federal level.  They have also inspired my thinking about my opportunities in the early childhood field.

NAYEC

 (National Association for the Education of the Young Child)

The NAEYC is the world's largest early childhood association working for young children.  As a member of the TAEYC and MAEYC the two local associations in my area I get the benefits of membership in the NAEYC also.  This is the same for any early childhood educator that is a member of their local chapter.  This association provides accreditation to many early childhood centers and is the number one association in accreditation.   

JOB - The association as several jobs available one that I would be interested in and qualified for is the Accreditation Coordinator.  This job provides a support person for the work of their accreditation system.  The description is located at http://www.naeyc.org/about/jobs. 

Qualified - I am currently qualified to fill this role as I will soon have a Master's in ECE.  A BA is needed along with 3-5 ears experience.  I have served as a lead pre-k teacher in a public accredited school for eight years.  I have worked to maintain the accreditation of the program.  I would possibly need more experience using MS office and more training in database skills.  This are preferred skills needed for this job.  

The Teaching Ambassador Fellowship

This is a program that I was asked if I would like to be nominated for a couple of years ago.  My response at the time was that I really wanted to complete my Master's degree. Well, here i am two years later with my degree nearing completion.  The teaching Ambassador Fellowship is an organization of sorts make up of educators across America who come together to discuss policy and practices within their state or in Washington to improve education.  Teachers are involved in developing policies on the state, local, and national levels.  

Job- Must be a current practicing teacher int he U.S. serving any grade preschool- 12th grade. Have a minimum of 5 years experience, be a U.S. citizen, and be able to obtain school/district support to sign an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement.   You can find this information my clicking on the yellow highlighted area above.
Qualified - I am qualified to be a U.S. ambassador for education as a public school teacher with eight years experience.  I am also a U.S. citizen and I have at least two people at our district letter willing to write a letter of recommendation.

Teacher News You Can Use

This is a community of practice that began a year ago with new teacher evaluations and new standards in education.  This groups is located on Facebook and as been a tremendous help and out when you've just had all you can take and need someone to listen or see things the way you do.  It's a group of educators that share stories, comics, and news about what's going on in the education world.  New teachers evaluations, Common Core standards, to have or not to have pre-k, does early childhood make a difference, education budgets, among many other topics are discussed here.  It's a way to advocate and begin to make a difference to one common goal depending on the group you might link up with. It maybe a group you need to be invited too. If you are unable to join just message and you will be asked to join or added to the group.  It is a great community and until this class I didn't realize that it is in part a Community of Practice or way to reach a Community of Practice.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

You will find below two associations, one organization, and one agency that I have explored that foster the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field as a whole.  They have inspired my thinking not only about places I might like to work but also places where I could have a role in making a difference in the field of early childhood.  These are all available in Memphis, TN.

Please click on the link in yellow to be directed to their website. 

TAEYC & MAEYC

(TN Association for the Education of the Young Child)

(Memphis Association for the Education of the Young Child)

Both of these associations affiliates of the NAEYC- the National Association of the Education of the Young Child.  As a resident of Memphis, TN I feel it is important to look at both of these associations as opportunities for employment and professional development opportunities.  The Memphis association also includes surrounding counties such as the Lauderdale County where I am currently employed.   There are many opportunities to advocate for young children, their families, and the field through these associations.  Both organizations share in their mission statements to provide professionals with skills to enhance and improve knowledge of professionals in the field through collaborative efforts.  It is their hope that this will improve the education opportunities for young children.  I chose these associations because I could see myself serving on the board for one of these associations to advocate, educate, and actively participate with professionals to improve the field of early childhood.  

The Urban Child Institute 

The Urban Child Institute of Memphis actively seeks out hands-on projects and initiatives to improve the lives of children in Memphis.  The organization partners with the community through many different avenues, UT medical, partnering with parents to increase reading and literacy awareness with children, etc.  They use data-driven research to approach the issues and increase awareness of development in children 0-3.  This organization interests me and is one that I will look further at getting involved in.  Most of their work is through volunteers, and all members of the community are encouraged to participate.  I chose this institute because it is one of few that increases awareness of development in children from 0-3, and in an urban area such as Memphis.  There needs to be more awareness of this critical time of development in a child's life, and as an educator I feel driven to educate others in this area. 

Memphis Shelby County Schools

This agency/school district is being developed at the present time into one consolidated school system.  It is the merger between Shelby County Schools and Memphis City Schools.  The unified school district will take affect on July 1, 2013.  They are currently accepting applications, but following the completion of the application if the candidate is selected they are entered into a teacher pool.  Their mission is currently to provide staff with the resources they need to help children succeed.  Many things are changes with the school district and are in the process of being developed. A name as not been decided for the new district yer and many new positions such as a possible pre-kindergarten director have not be opened for external applicants.  There are only teacher, librarian, and guidance positions available to date.  I chose this agency because I currently work an hour from home and this would put me much closer to family.  I am not looking to move but I am interested to know what the schools are like where I live.  I have helped build the pre-k program in Lauderdale County and I feel that it is truly a success.  Our former superintendent is now at the state level, over special education and prekindergarten among other things.  I don't know that I am ready to take on such a challenging task as a new unified school districts pre-k program, but as an educator and resident it is important to be to be in the know about the program here in Memphis.  Also, job advancement opportunities that may come available.  These will also perhaps open up in the district I currently teach at in Lauderdale County.  

Skills and Experience Necessary

In order to work with the TAEYC or the MAEYC I would need to be an educator in the state of TN or for the MAEYC I would need to be in one of the counties it covers.   I am currently a member and in order to gain a position in the association I would need to first become much more actively involved than I am able currently able too.  I would also need to express my want and desire to hold a position in the association to the board and stakeholders associated with the associations. 

The Urban Child Institute mostly enlist volunteers through outside organization such as schools.  As an educator this institute is a great community and parent resource that I will be involved in, in any way that I can.  The healthier our children are and the more involved our parents are gives students a better chance for academic success.  

Jobs 

Although, I am not currently looking to move from my current position or district.  The new unified school district for Memphis and Shelby County is accepting applications.  You must provide a resume and proof of highly qualified status.  The page that states what that proof looks like was unavailable at the time of my search.   This was of interest to me and whether or not a new director for their pre-kindergarten program will be hired is also interesting to me.   I will be continue to check for this an listen for this position in our local news.  There have been no decisions on leadership positions for this new district at this time.  Currently the superintendent is an interim that as of today may be looking for a buyout for his contract.  This will be interesting to watch unfold and how children and families could be affected.  At present I believe receiving a master's in early childhood leadership, management, and administration should qualify me for the director position along with my eight years experience as a lead pre-kindergarten teacher.  I will have to wait and see what the qualifications for a position in this district will entail.   Unified Schools Application Process

From Passion to Action - Beginning my Capstone & Remaining Positive

I am in my last class at Walden University.  I have been working to complete my Master's degree over the past two years.  It is finally coming to an end, and I can not wait to receive my degree.  The classes have been challenging, but I have learned a lot that will help me to be successful as a leader in the field.

This week we are talking about what drives our passion to be an agent for positive social change in the field.   Being an agent of positive social change means advocating, working with families, going out into the communities, seeking out their needs, working with children and professionals to grow professionally in the field to find resources to make a change.

Click the link below to view my wordle. 

Pre-Kindergarten Wordle

My Wordle communicates a small part of what I have learned, and what has inspired me during my program of study. The specific issue I chose to highlight is prekindergarten, with these areas pertaining to it in the following order access, affordability, equity, parental involvement, and anti-bias education.  In my Wordle you will notice that equity, access, and affordability are the words closest to pre-kindergarten. These would be at the top of my list with many words following.  At the present time prekindergarten is not mandatory in the United States. Yet, our new common core kindergarten standards appear to assume that every child will have received the skills necessary to begin kindergarten upon entering school. 

My Wish for You!

Here, is to all of my colleagues at Walden University, who have supported me and in return I hope I have inspired and supported them in some way through this graduate school journey.  We have shared concerns and joys together through blogs, discussion boards, e-mails, and the student lounge.  The connections we have made and relationships formed with many of you will never be forgotten.  It's hard to imagine that we are nearing the end of this journey. We have shared our families, our passion, or goals, our failures, successes, and dreams with each other for months, to become almost a family of our own.  The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming a little clearer everyday.  The fog is lifting and the hope for a bright future in early childhood education holds strong.  We all have a driven passion to work with families, children, communities, and colleagues in the field to make a difference and make a change in the future.   The quotes we have posted through our blogs, the videos we've watched of the professionals and on youtube, along with many personal stories we've shared from our own experiences in the field have been inspirational to me, and also the emails I have received and sent asking for help.  They left me feeling assured that I could do this and I was not alone.  All of the work put into this degree has been well worth the effort and I have learned more about the early childhood education field in the United States and abroad than I ever thought I would have.  I have a library of resources today that before beginning this program I did not.  I have resources to share and resources to turn to for assistance.  I have become a better, stronger professional in the early childhood field and have no doubt this is where I can make a difference.
As we leave each other to continue on our professional path in our specializations, I have found one last video to share. 

This video sums up a little of what I wish and hope for all of my colleagues continuing on their professional journey and working towards graduation through many sleepless nights.  I wish you all wonderful success in all that you do, may your dreams stay big, the moments pass slow, and each day lead you where you want to go.

If any of you would like to reach me you can send an email to babysittergin@gmail.com no forwards or junk please.  In the message please mention Walden. 

Five Stages of Team Development

A group I can think of that I enjoyed working in but often times dreaded was the cohort or "block" that I worked in as an undergrad student.  You will find an inspiring and encouraging video at the end. ENJOY!

Good-bye in many languages is still good-bye.

We all became such close friends but managed to keep up with assignments and deadlines together.  We had one person who was a deadline reminder by calling, one person who asked questions, one person who presented when needed, etc.  There were about 6 of us that generally worked together as a group.  On occasion when we would have a need to work with others, or have times when everyone in the class would have to pool together.  Everyone was working toward the same goal and that was understanding of content in order to perform better in the classroom and of course ultimately the goal was graduation. We had clearly established "norms".   We had a final electronic portfolio project that was extremely difficult. It was the first year they were being implemented and no one knew what they needed, how to get it, or what to do with what they had. We did have a great group leader who remained strong and trustworthy with our thoughts that were not allows great.  As a group we were able to successful encourage each other, fuss when needed, and complete our projects.  We encouraged each other to the very end even when one person left for student teaching in Australia.  We all continued to keep in contact through our student teaching.  We met for dinner once a week and shared inspiring or troubling stories.  I think the work and time we put in, burning lots of midnight oil was well worth the cost of sleep.   Today we are still friends with some and stay in touch, but there are others that I'm not sure what they are doing now.   

In saying goodbye to this group we all had dinner together one last time and breakfast sometime during that week.  I think I ate more during my time spent with this group than I ever had.  We gave each other cards as graduation gifts and things of a sort.  Food seems to help to comfort and relieve stress.  I must admit we were definitively relieved, while maybe a few pounds heavier also.  We all had phone numbers, but when you are finished with a project in a group picking up the phone to call doesn't seem the same with every member.  The ones were a true friendship had been established still contacted, but others went on their way somewhere else.  There is one person that I became good friends with the other four or five went separate ways.   Upon graduating and seeing everyone, there were goodbyes with hugs, high fives, and lots of smiles.   

Much the same is taking place in the work I am doing now to complete my Master's degree at Walden University.  Everyone that I have worked with has provided support and encouragement.  The closeness as come in a different form as there is no face to face contact, but I feel like support groups have been formed all the same.  I feel that I will be wonder what others are doing, what there plans are, and if they are using the degree that we are currently working on.  I will send encouraging words to others and congratulatory remarks on the successful accomplishment of reaching this goal and earning a degree. 

Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because we must acknowledge the work, time, and effort that has been put in by all members.   It also is what gives a feeling of relief to know that what goals what set forth have been met.  Without saying goodbye or acknowledging the success or failure depending on the group, there is a sense that something still needs to be done.  All groups do not reach a goal, or form norms and without acknowledging that it's not necessary some may continue to push on still expecting help from those that have broken their ties to the group.  

We are in the home stretch is just a little further, there is light at the end of this tunnel.  

I would like to share this as encouragement to us all. I also thought it was fitting for this assignment.