Time
Well Spent
3 deeply felt learnings from this program:
I learned that collaboration is important for an
effective community of practice. An intentional group of professionals with
similar interests/goals and a passion for the early childhood field is an
amazing contribution to any community interested in successful outcomes for
children and families.
I also learned about myself as a leader. I was able to
analyze various leadership styles and identify most with the ones that best fit
my leadership style. I was also able to learn new techniques and strategies
that stretched my leadership skills.
Finally, I was able to identify an early childhood challenge
and the intended and unintended consequences of responses to that challenge.
My long-term goal:
It is my goal to become a college instructor in the early
childhood field. I love teaching educators and providing them with quality
education. We can create a stronger and more confident early childhood
workforce by empowering and motivating adults early on and providing them with the
tools to be successful.
Farewell message:
Dr. Dartt & collegues, I thank you for your support,
encouragement, and inspiring words over the last 8 weeks. This was a very challenging
last class and one of the most memorable. It really encouraged us to step out
of our comfort level as professionals and grow into the professionals we once
wanted to be. The journey has not ended, it has only begun. Our passion has
grown and needs to be shared amongst others. I appreciate everyone’s contributions
and wish you all well in your personal and professional aspirations.
We began this class with a Wordle and I would like to end
with one as well.
Week 4: Job Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level
ReplyDeleteBelow are the 3 job opportunities that interested me and why I chose them.
1) Senior Training Specialist, Zero to Three
http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/careers/jobs/senior-training-specialist-5-14.pdf
This position is in the Early Head Start National Resource Center department. The mission and values of Head Start are very near and dear to me. I worked in HS for almost 6 years in various programs and positions. I feel that my experience in HS grounded me in the ECE field and exposed me to quality early childhood programs, positive child interactions, and strong family partnerships.
2) Senior Project Manager, Harvard Graduate School of Education
This position interested me since Washington State has been participating in Frontiers of Innovation (FOI) and I have been a part of a couple initiatives and work groups. The mission of FOI is to catalyze breakthrough thinking that leads to dramatically larger impacts on the lives of young children whose needs (or the needs of their caregivers) are not being met by existing investments through stimulating creativity, supporting experimentation, encouraging risk-taking, and learning from failure. Their mission is extremely motivating and supportive of the work I see myself doing in Washington State. Please click on the job title after following the link below.
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/news/employment_opportunities/
3) International Kindergarten Principal, Etonkids Educational Group (Beijing, China)
http://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs/6513367/international-kindergarten-principal
Although I may not have the principal credentials, this position sounded extremely interesting to me for two reasons. Initially, how could anyone pass up the opportunity to work in a country with such a high quality education system? Secondly, the focus of character development, athletics, music, and art are also emphasized in order to create a well-rounded learner. Also, the Montessori approach is utilized to enhance each student’s individual drive toward excellence.
Week 6
ReplyDeleteJobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally
Below are the three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me and why I chose them. I also included a couple of international positions that interested me.
1. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
http://www.oecd.org/index.htm
The reason why I chose this organization is because of their mission: The mission of the OECD is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. I like that this organization is not limited to state or national jurisdictions and is seeking solutions to support children and families world-wide.
2. Save the Children
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm
This organization began in 1932 in Kentucky and since has expanded nationally and internationally. They currently serve the U.S., Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and Eurasia. They currently have a position for an Education Manager in Liberia. This position could be contracted for up to 6 months, training included, competitive salary package, including medial insurance, accommodation and other benefits included. This position sounds very interesting and beneficial to the families and children in Liberia experiencing the effects of Ebola.
http://www.savethechildren.net/jobs/job-details/1543
3. International Step By Step Association
http://www.issa.nl/
This was a new organization for me. I really enjoyed searching their site and reading about the great programs and services they have to offer. Their mission is to support professional communities and develop a strong civil society that influences and assists decision makers to:
• Provide high quality care and educational services for all children from birth through primary school, with a focus on the poorest and most disadvantaged
• Ensure greater inclusion of family and community participation in children’s development and learning
• Ensure social inclusion and respect for diversity
The position of Education Officer in Mexico sounds very interesting to me. The qualifications and competencies I would need more experience in include two years or professional work at national and international levels relevant Education programs. Experience working in the UN or other international development organization an asset. This would be a very interesting position to me. My family is originally from Mexico and I would love to research and experience more of their early childhood education system.
http://www.unicef.org/mexico/spanish/contacto_10727.htm