Wednesday, May 29, 2013

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


This week as I offered advice to my colleagues, I found myself drawn to some of the organizations that I recommended to them. Although it is my intent to positively impact improvised children who are unable to receive a pre-k education. That can be challenging because those living in poverty tend to lack health, as well as involvement in their children’s education. One COP that grasped my attention is the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, the organization advocates the involvement of families in children’s education through activities, providing resources, and serving as a visible representative. I also like NCPIE because they have a long list of partnerships.  Another program is The Healthy Schools Program, which partners with an organization by the name of Alliance for a Healthier Generation would be great because they actually have programs that come into your school to bring knowledge about health. This would be great because it gives families and students an opportunity to eat better and understand the importance of living a healthy life.  The last organization that I was drawn to this week is CARE, which is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. This organization serves families living in poverty by offering economic opportunity and influencing policy decisions at all levels.
I currently work in a career that interest me, which is a kindergarten teacher. Kindergarten teachers must be able to operations technical devices such as IPods, Elmos, overhead projectors, and computers. They must also be able to teach students independently and in groups, modifying instruction techniques to meet the needs of all students.  It is also our job to monitor and evaluate student’s academic performance and behavior. The minimum requirement for a kindergarten teacher is to have a bachelor’s degree and successfully pass Praxis II exam.  One job that I hope to do one day is that of an Early Childhood Professor. A professor must be able to create and implement a curriculum that meets college and department criteria; as well as lead research that will advance knowledge in their field.  In order to teach at a two year college I would need to have my masters as well as teaching experience. If I chose to teach at a four year college or university I need to have a doctoral degree.

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10 comments:

  1. Temeka,
    Using your classroom experience as well as all that we have learned through our studies for our Master's degree would seem to provide a good combination for moving into higher education. I think it is a great way to perpetuate our field by training a new group of teachers to carry on the work.

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  2. Temeka,
    The Healthy Schools Program sounds interesting. I love when organizations can educate children, teachers, and families. All involved are hearing the same information and can work together towards healthier lifestyles. Capital BlueCross (health insurance company) has been going into schools and providing exercise to students before the school day starts. I think this is so wonderful that companies want to work with children and want to see them live healthy lifestyles that hopefully will carry on throughout their lives.

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  3. Temeka,

    I think children face some challenges that can be addressed at school, and they will take the positive practices home, but the ones related to the lack of health at home need to be addressed with the whole family. Thus, I consider the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education is a great resource we can go to when addressing the lack of healthy habits, because families and children will learn better from activities they get involved into, than only from speeches we can give them about the importance of healthy practices at home.

    Thanks for sharing Temeka and go for that kindergarten teacher position!!!

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  4. Tameka,

    Thanks for sharing these great resources. I found an interest in the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE)as it is an organizaton that bridges the gaps between the most important environments the lives of children: school, home, and the community. This is a resource that I will definitely use in the future.

    Anetria

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  5. Temeka,
    It is great to that you are already working in your career of choice. Not all of us have reached that point in our lives. I admire your commitment and passion for working with young children. Being a teacher is not easy, it is both challenging and rewarding. Are you planning to get your doctorate degree in the near future? Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you for your thoughts. I am thinking about going back to get my doctorate, I have not made a final decision yet.

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  6. Temeka,

    Thanks for sharing these resources! I just found a new one to check out for my work on engaging families in education. I can tell from your posts and blogs that you are truly passionate and love your work. My hope is that there are thousands of people like you out there fighting for the rights for quality education every day.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  7. Temeka,

    I hope your dreams of teaching at the community college and University level become a reality. I plan to do the same but would still want to still work with children. They are my motivation to continue in the field. As I interview current college professors about what they hate most about their job, they all respond with the same answer. They miss the children. Something to ponder. Thanks for sharing your CoP.

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    1. Frank,
      very good point. I never thought about missing the children.

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  8. Nice to see all the great interaction! ~Dr. Teri

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