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