Bittersweet Goodbyes!!!

This has been an incredible experience. I am grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity of growing and learning. I dedicate this video to my teachers and fellow classmates!!!

Good Luck and God Bless!!!!!!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)  is a charitable organization that has dedicated and promoted optimal education for children. ACEI was first called  the International Kindergarten Union (IKU) in 1892. By 1946 the word International was added to its name when educators realized the importance of early childhood education globally. ACEI offers an internship in Washington DC. This  experience provides an excellent opportunity to participate in  consisting  online research and data gathering that will contribute to the development of briefing papers. Interns also will have opportunity to attend various meetings related to childhood education. The qualifications of this position focuses on having a graduate degree program that focuses on global education issues. Though I do not possess such a degree I do have the desire to be able to participate and work with others researching and learning more of myself and what I can contribute to the world of early childhood education.  

I found that ACEI has an International Exchange which has been something I always wanted to participate. One program that really sounded wonderful was Teachers without Borders http://www.teacherswithoutborders.org/ .
Their vision is to enhance education globally by supporting local teacher leadership They .provide free resources and tools to help teachers around the world learn, connect, collaborate, and create online; in schools or community centers, in workshops and seminars." We do not send teachers from the West to the East or from the North to the South; rather, we provide the space for teachers around the world to find and learn from each other."  I feel that in order for me to be able to contribute in a global spectrum I should begin to learn from other teachers from around the world; then my contribution will be all the more meaningful.


The Global Campaign for Education
http://www.campaignforeducation.org/en/  

is a civil society movement working towards ending the global education crisis. GCE was established in 1999 and delivered a united civil society voice during the World Education Forum in Dakar in 2000, influencing the six Education for All goals. There are over 80 education coalitions which have their own memberships comprised of teachers’ unions committed to education. The GCE is currently looking for someone to be Head of Policy. This position involves someone who will help lead policy development and research . They will work with the Board and international members. The position  requires fluency in English and competency in one of our other official languages (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish). I feel I do fulfill the qualifications of this position. I just want to work with others who also have that drive, passion and motivation to educate our children, the future.

I went into the website and came across this video. This video gives the powerful message of the importance of education for all. There is nothing sugar coated here. I felt I had to share it with everyone because as educators this is what we all are striving for. Educating all of our children. I have to share that this video put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

The National Association of Bilingual Education http://www.nabe.org/ 

The National Association for Bilingual Education is an
 organization that represents both the English language
 learners and the Bilingual Educational Professionals.  

 

NABA  has an amazing Career Center where anyone from an applicant  to an employer can find a job.  I searched and found one that I found very interesting it is a position for an  Adjunct Associate in English as a Second Language :Columbia University American Language Program. I do not at the moment present all the qualification that this position entail, but I do want to continue being an educator especially at a higher level. That is a goal I am hoping to reach.

The NAECS-SDE was founded in 1972 by early childhood specialists who wanted to make sure that the voices of children and their families were heard.  This organization makes sure that state leaders listen and understand the necessity of programs through research and committees. To be a part of this organization one can be a member and communicate with other members online, by phone and convene once a month. I found this group interesting because what a wonderful way to learn what other states are doing for early childhood and their families.



Founded in 1969 the Inner City Fund  and primary focus was to  finance inner-city businesses. Later their vision spread to and provide services that can protect and improve the quality of life. ICF International work with policymakers to help implement program from early childhood to 12th grade.
  A position that sounds so promising that I saw posted was for a Head Start Early Childhood Education Manager. Basically an ECE Manager provides  mentoring and coaching to the other ECE specialists. As I read through the description, I found myself getting excited realizing that the qualifications that I have thus far I can contribute to this organization if they would consider me.

Community of Practice Organizations in New Jersey

New Jersey Association Education of Young Children: http://njaeyc.org/

 I found a new form of respect for early childhood education while our school was in the process of NAEYC accreditation. As we all read and reviewed the criteria and got our classrooms ready, I realized the importance of early childhood education and how much children's academic success comes from having this foundation. Once we received our accreditation I did find myself wanting to continue this personal crusade to educate myself on early childhood development. I had the opportunity to go to at least 3 NJEAYC Conferences in Atlantic City. I met many incredible people and learned so much from the workshops. It is through NAEYC that I came to learn about Walden University.  Currently NJAEYC is holding nominations for their Board. If I had the opportunity to be able to participate in the board I would like to start small. Being secretary will let me apply all experience I have in early childhood.  I am a person who likes to take baby steps and slowly work my way up to the top.

 

Childcare Connection http://www.childcareconnection-nj.org/

Childcare Connection is a childcare referral agency that began in 1986.  They provide an array of programs to improve the quality of child care at the local level.

 Childcare Connection has currently posted a position of Early Childhood Trainer.  The job requires someone with early childcare experience that will be responsible for creating presentations about early childhood care and education. This position is basically a position that Walden University has been preparing me for.  I have been teaching early childhood for 10 years now and everything that I have learned in my classes I can apply all that I have learned into practice, especially strategies and techniques when working with adult learners.

 Advocates for Children of New Jersey http://www.acnj.org/

Advocates for Children of New Jersey is an independently run agency whose primary focus is to  be the voice of children by means of educating and engaging state leaders the public  through a  variety of communicating methods which consist of research and studies.

 The New Jersey Kids Count project is a program I am most interested in participating in. Not only is the data on a nationwide scale, but it is an opportunity to learn and work with others on the importance of investing in our children.  Being born, raised, educated and employed in an urban district, the experiences I have with children and families who need the support that will help them find the resources they need is what I feel I can contribute if I had the opportunity to work with the staff at ACNJ.

My Advanced Wordle : Everyone Belongs

Welcome Back to my blog EVERYONE!!!!!!

  I have worked with so many wonderful people that it is very difficult to choose, therefore, I want to express my sincere thanks to each an everyone of my colleagues who shared their thoughts, opinions, and views. Experiencing this journey with all of you has been an enlightening and learning experience. With each activity I feel we all grew as early childhood professionals. I feel that each of us have created a special partnership that grew from support and the desire learn from one another as well as from our activities. It was wonderful to see familiar names and familiar faces in your blogs again.

With each activity I felt that I had a better understanding and perspective about the methods of communication and collaboration with every post I read.

I wish for everyone much success, celebration and I hope to see your names in my group again!

Dr. Pickens, I would like to extend my appreciation for being such a wonderful professor. Your words of encouragement and sincerity especially at a time when my family was in a moment of crisis. Thank you .

  

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.          Melody Beattie