Honestly, I cannot believe that we have reached the end of this program. It has been a very challenging, yet rewarding experience. I have learned many things throughout the course of the program at Walden; however, three major concepts stand out. First, our culture defines who we are, in fact our cultural identity is fused to all of the other identities that make up who we are. As a result, early childhood education will not be effective if room is not made for the full expression of every child and family's cultural identity. Second, to be a professional educator teachers must become skilled in the areas of self-reflection. Reflection not only reveals our hidden biases so that we can learn to eliminate them; it reveals our strengths and weaknesses. Finally, I learned that big change is possible even if it is a small group that is working for the change. Passion and inspiration are powerful forces. When someone is passionate about a concept or topic it means that in some way it connects with their heart. I believe that it is important that early childhood educators remember this as we connect with and teach others whether they are children, families, or colleagues. When others are truly adamant about an issue it means something for them and has personal relevance, which we should be respectful of.
A long-term goal that I have is to be an instructor/professor at the community college level. I believe that early childhood teacher education is an important area of the field. Teacher educators are tasked with preparing the future of the early childhood field! It is a place of great responsibility but also great possibility to inspire and ignite social change.
Finally, I would like to thank my professors and colleagues for this amazing journey. On February 27, 2012 I really did not know if I could work through this program or not; yet here we are. I appreciate your comments, your encouragement, and your questioning. I believe this program has left us with the skills we need to be professionals in our highly important field. I wish you all the best! If you would like to stay in touch with me, I plan on keeping my blog active. Also, you may email me at joseph.starnes1@gmail.com
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
International Communities of Practice
As advocates for children and families I think it is important for us to remember that all children throughout the world are important and as humans we are all connected. Therefore, this week I have identified three international organizations that I believe do excellent work for children, families, and education in general. The first is UNICEF or the United Nations Children's Fund, which focuses in areas of child survival and development. UNICEF focuses on basic education and gender quality, HIV Aids and children, and child protection and policy advocacy. UNICEF believes that nurturing and care for young children is the cornerstone of human progress. UNICEF is active in more than 190 countries. A current job opportunity that is available is the position of Education Specialist, which provides technical support to early childhood programs in a given area. To obtain this position one must have a Master's, have a growing understanding of culture, and speak at least two of the UN's home languages fluently.
A second program I found is called Save the Children, which is an independent organization that works with children throughout the world. They are committed to raising awareness of accountability, innovation, and collaboration throughout the field of early childhood education. They are also currently one of the leaders in supporting universal access to preschool. Currently, they have a specialist position in early childhood education which would provide training and support to partner centers and programs. To obtain this position one must have a Master's and be familiar with emergency response protocols as well as quality standards and adult training.
Finally, the International Step by Step Association promotes equal access to quality education and care for all. The program which was founded in the Netherlands, works to ensure that children everywhere have a strong start in life. Every year the association hosts a conference and provides teacher trainings and certification. I could not find any open positions at this organization however.
References
International Step by Step Association http://www.issa.nl/index.html
Save the Children http://www.savethechildren.org
UNICEF http://www.unicef.org
A second program I found is called Save the Children, which is an independent organization that works with children throughout the world. They are committed to raising awareness of accountability, innovation, and collaboration throughout the field of early childhood education. They are also currently one of the leaders in supporting universal access to preschool. Currently, they have a specialist position in early childhood education which would provide training and support to partner centers and programs. To obtain this position one must have a Master's and be familiar with emergency response protocols as well as quality standards and adult training.
Finally, the International Step by Step Association promotes equal access to quality education and care for all. The program which was founded in the Netherlands, works to ensure that children everywhere have a strong start in life. Every year the association hosts a conference and provides teacher trainings and certification. I could not find any open positions at this organization however.
References
International Step by Step Association http://www.issa.nl/index.html
Save the Children http://www.savethechildren.org
UNICEF http://www.unicef.org
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