Time Well Spent Here at Walden University

I heard this song this week and it reminded me of my experience, it tested me to become better, it was unpredictable, I never could have known how it would change me, and challenge me.  We are now at the fork in the road, where will we go from here?

This has been an amazing journey here at Walden’s. I thought back to the first course I took and remember how worried and nervous I was to do courses totally online and thought how am I going to make connections with my colleagues.  Little did I realize how wonderful it would be to share thoughts, ideas and receive a variety of perspectives that would open my mind to new ways of thinking, and challenge me to look beyond me small (but significant) world.  What I have learned through this program is;

1.  Relationships are built by listening to others and keeping an open mind to things I may not understand.  As we learn more about each other we can build bridges of understanding and trust.

2. To continuously keep up on research and advocate for what is best practice for the children and families we serve.  To realize the importance of understanding the issues and trends in the early childhood field, and to look through our personal, professional and local lens when considering the issues we are addressing, and to be mindful of the unintended consequences our actions can create.

3.  During our communications class I learned a lot about myself and my communication style and the styles that others might have.  To learn how to collaborate with others, keep my own voice,  and ways to create teams and groups that can be motived to make change happen.

4.  Lastly, that I can be the creator of change, I always saw it as something out there, that others did, and I learned from them, but now I know that I am part of that group, I can be a part of the community that makes a positive change for the early childhood field.

When I think about a long term goal I know it is to work with adults and offer  professional development that will increase the effectiveness of teachers.  I can see myself working at a college level preparing pre-service teachers  for the field.

THANK YOU!!! To all of you, as we traveled this road together I cannot express with words how much I have appreciated your wisdom and knowledge.  We all came with different experiences, I have enjoyed and will cherish everything you have shared in the discussions. 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

fhi360- The science of improving Lives

This organization is non -profit human development organization that serves more than 60 countries including all US states and territories. Their vision is for all people and communities to have the opportunity to reach their highest potential. 

One of the jobs I found interesting is Project manager (Region XI Early Childhood Specialist) in Washington, DC. This position is to provide technical assistance and training (T/TA)to Head Start Grantees in the area related to school readiness, training and careers needed for staff and collaborative activities.  This position will be serving American Indian and Alaska Native populations.  It is a project that started 7/16/12 and will end 7/15/16.

The requirements of the position are:

 

·         BA or BS degree in Early Childhood Education (prefer a Master’s Degree)

 

·         5 years’ experience working with young children

·         experience working with American Indian Alaska Native tribes

·         experience conceptualizing and conducting extensive and intensive T/TA that is grounded in theory

·         experience working with both education managers and teachers and

·         experience in providing T/TA that translate theory into practice

I found this position very interesting because as an employee of Head Start I have been in trainings provided by T/TA and they provide a terrific support to the program.  I think my experience being raised on a Native American Reservation would be beneficial even though they are two completely different tribes and have different cultures.  Each of the listed experiences I have had with the exception of not knowing the inner work of T/TA.   However, I am so dedicated to my own community and dedicated to creating change here; I do not think I could move to another place.  I have a passion to work within my community. 

You can go to this website: http://www.fhi360.org/en/index.htm

Association for Childhood Education Internationally (ACEI)

This organization’s mission is to promote and support education, development and well –being of children around the world. I did some searching in the network groups and found it is a virtual community of practice where professionals can connect with each other around the world and share interests and needs, they continue to meet until the interest or need is resolved or completed.

I did not find jobs in this site, but I found something I think is better…. a place to meet other professionals around the world who can give me a global perspective on professional growth for educators, among many other interests.   Below is the link to this site, I highly recommend you check it out.

http://www.acei.org/                                                                                               

Samaritans Purse

This is an organization that follows the Biblical story of the “Good Samaritan” it is dedicated to helping hurting people around the world who suffer from natural disasters, war, disease, and famine.  They help communities in impoverished villages break the cycle of poverty.  They work to impact the lives of vulnerable children through education.  Another project is through medical support by providing supplies to the mission hospitals with needed equipment and supplies.

I chose this organization because I have seen them in action and the impact they have on the people they are serving.  One of the projects I have been involved with is called Operation Christmas Child.  People fill shoe boxes with needed items and toys for children ages 2-14 years old.  The shoe boxes get shipped to a warehouse and then are distributed to children around the world in need.  Last year they sent 94 million, this year they are hoping for 100 million.  Children around the world receive the box and find things like soap, wash cloth, tooth brushes and then a variety of age appropriate toys and learning supplies (pencil, paper etc.)

One of the jobs I found most interesting is Learning & staff development specialist.  This is an HR position and most of the skills listed below I would need more education to qualify, but it would be a great learning experience, below is a list of the skills and requirements.

Skills/Requirements:

• At least 2 years experience developing competency-based and technology-enabled training programs and measuring their impact and results

• Proven ability to write scripts, storyboards, e-learning, facilitators guides and participant materials that break the mold and rock

• A knack for graphic design

• A strong track record for cranking out exceptional blended and distance learning materials

• Remarkable attention to detail, thrives on getting it right and yet knows when good is good enough

• A natural and confident collaborator, who isn’t threatened by others input and feedback

• A working knowledge of e-learning authoring tools including Adobe Captivate, JavaScript, html, XML, Flash, SCORM and Learning Management Systems

If you are interested in learning more go to; http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php