Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

I have learned many things throughout the Masters program here at Walden University. One of the many things that I learned that will stick with me forever is the importance of learning the different learning styles of each individual. Part of being successful in the classroom includes engaging learners and teaching them so that they can learn in ways that is best for them. I learned that there is diversity within diversity and each person is truly an individual.

Secondly, I have learned to self-reflect and look into my own bias and prejudices so that I can be objective. It is important that teachers understand themselves and work through their own issues that may surface inside the classroom. Also, learning about different cultures has become a top priority for me. I realized from taking this course that I really do not know much about other cultures. I think that I owe it to myself, as well as future students to learn about the people who I am surrounded by in the world.

Thirdly, I have learned that I can make a difference in the lives of others. Advocacy is very important, and can be effective at any level. I have acquired a passion for advocacy from taking these courses here at Walden. I now know that I can make a difference in the lives of children and their families within and outside of the classroom. Developing my capstone project has made me realize that there are things that I can do now to make a positive difference. One long term goal that I have is to take every opportunity to make a positive impact on children and families by advocating for their health-and well-being.

I would like to thank Dr. Dartt for all of her wisdom and positive guidance throughout my program here at Walden. I would also like to thank my many classmates for providing me with their insight, knowledge, and ideas. Every one of my classmates has contributed to my professional growth here at Walden. I would like to wish everyone good luck with their future endeavors. It has really been a pleasure.

Sincerely,

Michele Troutman

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community:Internationally

One international organization that appealed to me is The United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF).  This organization appealed to me because, I like the fact that they work with others to make important changes for the health and well-being of children. As state d by UNICEF, (2014) “we have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality” (p. 1).  From my research of the organization, they are really dedicated to the goal of creating equality amongst all children. One job opportunity that interests me is the international professional staff. This job requires one to work in one or many areas of the UNICEF organization such as, leadership, managerial, and special functions. One must have a degree from an accredited school, and an advanced degree that aligns with the specific work of the UNICEF organization.

Another international organization that appeals to me is Save the Children.  Save the Children appeals to me because they work with helping children and their families by addressing the issues that affect their daily lives. They also work with leaders at the international level as advocates for children and their families to help them with the help that they need in. The job opportunity that I like is the Director of Policy and Advocacy for Early Childhood Development. The Director works with the Senior Director in developing strategies to reach Executive and Legislative branches at the federal level.

   Responsibilities

·         Lead educational outreach and advocacy with relevant actors through direct dialogue; sharing Save the Children positions, reports, and coalition publications; and engaging technical staff to position Save the Children as a strong advocate and thought leader in this space at the national, state and local levels (depending on targeting).

·         Develop and promote appropriate advocacy and educational events with participants from the Executive and Legislative Branches, partner organizations think tanks, and Save the Children.

·         Work with Senior Director, Mobilization to determine what political jurisdictions are most relevant to achieving outcomes on the early learning agenda and where there is need to generate grassroots and grasstops support for policy impact.

·         Work closely with USP colleagues, particularly on reports, and serve as a member of the USP business team to link our program work with our policy work, and ensure engagement of field staff and partners from key targeted political geographies

·         Monitor achievement of objectives, grant responsibilities, including contributing to reporting, expenditure, and administration.

 

Requirements

·         Master’s degree in education, policy, or related field strongly preferred.

·         At least 5-7 years professional experience with increasing responsibilities in Congressional and administration outreach or directly within these branches of government. Experience with local and/or state based lobbying campaigns a plus.

·         Strong familiarity with the legislative process, including both authorizations and appropriations processes.

·         Senior level experience and engagement in US education policy.

·         Experience working particularly in the education sector preferred.

·         Established networks and contacts within senior Washington governmental and nongovernmental policy circles.

·         Familiarity with education coalitions and policy making apparatus desirable.

Retrieved from,

https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SAVETHECHILDREN&cws=1&rid=2299

 

The last international organization that I chose was the National Association for the Education of Young Children. I love this organization because they are committed to providing children with high-quality education. This organization also works with leaders and policy makers to help change laws concerning children and their families. One job that I found interesting is an Early Childhood Education Manager. This job did not have the qualifications or experience listed, so I do not know what it requires to obtain this job.

References:

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2014, from http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_qualifications.html

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

National Organizations

One professional organization that I chose was the National Association for the Education of Young Children. I chose this organization because they work with early childhood programs to help them provide high-quality education to young children. I think that they are very committed to improving the quality of early childhood, and they work towards improving laws and regulation concerning early childhood.

The second organization that I chose was the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators. I chose this organization because, as stated on their website that one of their purposes is to, “provide a forum for consideration of issues and concerns of interest to educators of early childhood teacher educators” (Purpose, 2014, p. 1). I think that it is important that teachers participate regularly in their professional development. There is always new information and research on early childhood, and it is important that teachers stay abreast of current news.

The third organization that I chose was the Association for Childhood Education International. I chose this organization because as stated in the mission statement, “our mission is to support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide” (acei.org, 2014, p.1). This organization works for the rights of children and their families. They not only work with organizations and early childhood programs, they work with families.

 

Job Opportunities

1.      Early Childhood Education Coordinator- Job qualifications-must have a B.A. or B.S., preferably in education, child development or a related field; experience with the NAEYC early childhood education accreditation system and 5-7 years experience in the field.

2.      Director, Child Development Laboratory Center- Job qualifications- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in Family Services, Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related discipline. Ability to obtain or currently possess a Program Director Credential preferred.

3.       Adjunct Early Childhood Instructor- Job qualifications-Master's degree in a field related to the classes to be taught. Two years experience in instruction or formalized education process, preferably in a post-secondary or college institution. Membership in a professional association tied to area of instruction preferred.

Skills:

·    Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to build successful relationships with student populations.

·    Outstanding conflict resolution skills.

·    Demonstrated time management and detail-oriented skills

·    Computer based skills (i.e., software, analytical, and report writing skills )

Abilities:

·    Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet frequently occurring deadlines.

·    Ability to develop a professional rapport with diverse school/campus constituents.

·    Ability to develop and complete projects without continued direct supervision

·    Ability to learn from students' participation, demonstrates fair and consistent behavior in all matters, and shows compassion without being ineffectual.

References:

Association for Childhood Education International. (2014). Our Mission, Retrieved online from, http://www.acei.org/

 National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators . (2014). Purpose. Retrieved online from, http://www.naecte.org/

 

 

 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Throughout my learning experiences I have constantly been reminded of the importance of belonging to some type of professional organization. As I continue to learn and grow I have identified several organizations that will help me in my early childhood career. One of the organizations that I find to be interesting is the Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children. This organization is of interest to me because it has a wide variety of information on Early Childcare and it helps teachers, students, professionals stay abreast of the latest information and research in early childhood. It also provides help to organizations who are striving to become schools of excellence.

Another organization that I chose was a group called Leadership Taylor, here in my community. This organization interests me because it works with anyone in the community who wishes to know important things about the community. The organization is focused on people learning their community and how things work within the community at the leadership level. Anyone can join and it helps to build your self-esteem and prepares you to take on leadership roles within the community. This is important because I have watched so many people grow and become leaders in the community.

The third organization that I chose was the Georgia Head Start Organization. I chose this organization because I am a Head Start teacher, and this organization is geared toward the advancement of Head Start programs. They have a wide variety of information available on the website and it helps teachers with carrying out the performance standards that are set for Head Start Centers.

In conclusion, there are many jobs that I have thought about, but the ones that interest me the most are; Early Childhood Instructor, and Head Start Director. These jobs interest me because I have been working in the classroom directly with children for a long time now, and I feel that I have a lot of experience and learning that I want to help others who wish to work in the classroom with young children. In order for me to obtain one of these positions I have to have at least a masters Degree, while some colleges prefers a Doctorate.  It is a passion of mine to help others who are striving to become early childhood teachers. I feel as though I have a lot to offer, and I know firsthand the importance of having highly qualified teachers in the classrooms.

 

Thank You

I would like to wish everyone much success in their future. I thank everyone for their contributions to the class. I would also like to thank Dr. Ferrari for the support and advice throughout this program. I could not have made it successfully in this class without the support of you all and Dr. Ferrari. I am a bit sad because I will not be attending school this summer, but I have to concentrate on my Husband's health. I will hope to start back fall semester so that I can finish my last two classes. Again, Thank you all and I wish you much success.

Adjourning

Adjourning

I have participated in many group presentations. I think that the hardest good-byes were definitely with the highest performing group, because you have created a bond with these people and have done a great job with their help. I wished that we would have ended the group with a dinner at a nice restaurant. I think that sometimes when you get to experience being in a successful group experience, you often find new acquaintances that last a lifetime.

Also, I do not know how I will adjourn from my colleagues at the end of the master’s program. I assume that I will thank everyone for their help throughout the program and wish them all luck. I think that adjourning is important because it is a form of finalizing. It gives you the opportunity to thank everyone and to possibly invite others to future group participation. It assures that everything ends on a good note and that you appreciate their work.

Resolving Conflict

I have conflict concerning an issue with my supervisor. I have been looking at the conflict from my perspective. Having taken this class and through this week's assignment I have decided to implement some strategies that will perhaps bring peace if not resolution to the issue. First of all, I will consider my supervisor's stand in the situation. It has made me realize that the issue that I have with her is really not her fault. It is a matter of circumstance that is out of her control. Second, I have decided to meet with her so that she can hear my opinion as well as, listening to her position in the matter. I will implement the 3 R's so that we can communicate effetively and hopefully we will both compromise on the situation.

Also, when I asked my co-worker on advice when resolving conflict she said that she usually leaves any potential violent confrontation and will go back and address the situation at a later time. She says that she usually tries to think about the other person's perspective also.