EDUC 6990 final post

As I write this, my final blog of my journey towards my advanced degree, I am left to look back at how this quest as impacted me.

I am not the same person I was at the beginning, as I have learned much along the way and broadened my view of the world. I am, however, very much the same at my core. My basic values and beliefs have not changed, but merely been strengthened.

I know that it is my responsibility to use the life I have been given to better the lives of others. I must take my experiences and share with others so that they can go forth and make others' loves better in turn.

I know that I will always be a teacher. I truly love what I do, and I know that in a classroom is where I am happiest. I am home.

My long term goals do not include fame, recognition, or glory. In fact, they do not even include me finding a "better" job, as I cannot imagine any job better than being a teacher. My goals are to teach as many as I can, and be happy in that success!

I would like to thank all those who provided inspiration and support along the way. I hope I have done the same for you in some small way.

A very special thank you to Nikki Thomas for becoming my rock and keeping me sane. You have become a dear and valued friend!

I wish you all much success in the future and much happiness along the way!

Kathy

Almost forgot my contact info: amethyst21768@comcast.net or you can find me on Facebook using that e-mail address.

EDUC 6990-6 WK 6 International ECE organizations

This week, I am to consider international organizations and job opportunities in my field utilizing my new degree and capstone experience.

As I have stated, I am committed to remain teaching in a STARS classroom for the next two years to honor the terms of my grant, but I will provide whatever information I ind as it may be useful to someone reading it.

The first site I investigated was the World Organization for Early Childhood Education, or OMEP, at http://www.worldomep.org/en/. This is an international organization which is not affiliated with any government and non-profit. It has been in existence for over 60 years, and focuses of the rights of all children worldwide to quality early childhood education as well as their care. They are currently active in over 70 countries. This organization sponsors research and conferences, and promotes the idea of high quality education for young learners around the globe.

The second site I looked at was the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) at https://acei.org/. This C of P is comprised of educational professionals worldwide who share their experiences and their knowledge with one another, and advocate the children’s rights. Like most ECE organizations, their goal is the healthy development and appropriate education of all children. They, too, hold informational summits and provide access to the newest research available.

The third site I considered was Education International (EI) at http://www.ei-ie.org/en/. This organization is dedicated to representing and uniting teachers around the world. They promote quality education and social equality, but they also represent the interests of the teachers, which I found to be both interesting and somewhat unique.

While investigating the various international sites I came across an organization called Teach Away at https://www.teachaway.com/teaching-jobs-abroad. This is a recruitment agency to place qualifies teachers in classrooms around the world. I found a posting for an American school located in India for preschool and kindergarten teachers. The job would begin in July of this year and has a 2 year contract. Teachers must have a Bachelor’s degree in elementary or early childhood education, and a preference would be given to those with experience with Creative Curriculum. It offers a generous benefits package including airfare, health benefits, and a furnished apartment. Interested parties can apply at https://www.teachaway.com/teaching-jobs-abroad/preschool-lead-teacher-new-york-academy-india.

Another position listed is for a master teacher in Dubai. The applicant must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s in education with ECE preferred. This position also requires the teacher to have at least 5 years’ experience. This job also has a 2 year contract, and begins in August 2016. It also offers a benefit package for those not currently living in Dubai, but would prefer applicants who have some knowledge of Dubai. More information can be found at https://www.teachaway.com/teaching-jobs-abroad/early-years-lead-master-teacher-aga-khan-early-learning-centre-uae.

If one is interested in Dubai, but would like to work in a kindergarten classroom, there are 20 openings in a private international school based on the American Common Core system. The applicant need have a Bachelor’s in early learning, but does not need teaching experience beyond student teaching. A generous benefit package includes health benefits, air fare, and living accommodations. More information can be found at https://www.teachaway.com/teaching-jobs-abroad/kindergarten-teachers-private-international-school-dubai-0.

Good luck to everyone in their searches!

EDUC 6990 WK 4

For this assignment, I am to consider three national or federal organizations or communities of practice in the field of early childhood education, as well as job opportunities which may be of interest. As I am committed to remain working in a Keystone STARS ranked classroom for the next two years due to the grant which enabled me to pursue my Master's degree in the first place, job hunting is not really high on my list, but the information may be of use to someone.

The first organization I chose to consider is NAEYC, or the National Association for the Education of Young Children. They can be found that this link: http://www.naeyc.org/. Most people in the field of ECE agree that NAEYC is the ultimate source for all things related to the field. When it comes to best practices, new ideas, and upcoming trends, this is the place to get the information. In addition to the national organization, there are also state and local affiliates which can give information specific to your local area. Pennsylvania, for example, has the state affiliate, PennAEYC, and 13 local affiliates within PennAEYC. My particular affiliate is Northeast Pennsylvania AEYC 292. As state funding for early childhood education continues to be a major concern in Pennsylvania, these organizations work to advocate for funds and inform the population as to why funding is important and needed, as well as the latest news as to what our elected officials are doing.

For my second organization, I chose the National Head Start Association, found at this link: http://www.nhsa.org/. Like NAEYC, Head Start is a well-known and respected organization in the field of ECE. They have a long history in not only providing quality early childhood education for children in need, but also of advocating for the rights of these children and their families, and for change in our country. They encourage parents and communities to become involved in the education of our youngest learners for a brighter tomorrow.

For my last organization, I chose the Association for Early Learning Leaders, found at: http://www.earlylearningleaders.org/. I chose this particular organization specifically because I was unfamiliar with it and its works. At least I thought I was. By reading I found that this organization used to be known as the National Association for Child Care Professionals, an organization which I had at least heard of before. Like many others, this organization offers professional development, networking opportunities, access to appropriate research, and accreditation. Unlike many other organizations, this one is geared more towards the administrative end--directors, administrators, and center owners. As I have already served as a director and found I missed teaching too much, I found this site to be not as informative for me, although others who are planning to go into the administrative end of the field my find it to be very useful.

As for job opportunities, As I said I will be staying where I am for the next two years. I did, however, find a job opportunities link associated with NAEYC:http://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs. Current offerings include  Director, Early Learning Center, The American School in Japan (Tokyo); Child Development Center Specialist III West Valley-Mission Community College District, Silicon Valley, California; and Early Learning Specialist, Seattle, Washington.

I wish all my classmates much success in putting their new degrees to work for them.

EDUC 6990 Capstone WK 2

For this week's assignment I am to share local or state communities of practice, as well as job opportunities that may interest me.

I decided to start with PennAEYC, the state affiliate of NAEYC. Their website can be found at this link:

http://www.pennaeyc.com/Pages/default.aspx

I chose this website because, frankly, NAEYC is the ultimate source in early childhood education. If I want to know what is new in Pennsylvania, or what the next big thing in ECE is going to be, this is the first site I check. They have the most up-to-date information pertaining to the newest NAEYC finding and how they apply in Pennsylvania.

I then chose PA Keys. Their link is:

http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=home

I didn't really have to explore it because I am so familiar with it already. This is the site on which PA teachers record their professional development record, submit PD goals for the upcoming year, and see PD requirements for their positions. It is also where teachers can register for PD classes and apply for funding. PA Keys is the place to go to find learning standards and core knowledge competencies, as well as available communities within the Commonwealth. PA Keys provides teachers with contact information for people who can provide assistance or answer questions one may have with regards to early childhood education in PA.

The third site I chose was Pre-K for PA. The link is as follows:

http://www.prekforpa.org/

This organization is quite new, having been established in 2014. The previous governor made massive and crippling cuts to educational funding. Pre-K for PA was developed as a response to the budget cuts. They focus on highlighting the benefits of providing quality early childhood education for all children, and work towards making this possible. I have been keeping a close watch on this site lately because not only are there battles with the 2016 budget, PA has not yet passed a budget for 2015! I know this is difficult to believe, seeing as how we are well into 2016, but it is true. Our new Governor supports increasing funding for education, but many state lawmakers are fighting him.  In fact, I was asked to accept a massive pay cut in Sept. Funding to Rising STARS was delayed, causing me to temporarily withdraw from Walden University. In late December, the state agreed to release SOME funding for state programs, and I was able to get my back pay and resume my education. But the funding they released is running out and I am once again faced with a pay cut or possibly seeing my center shut down. This particular website has become one of my top-visited sites, as I am anxious for a budget to be passed and funding to early childhood education to be restored.

As one of the requirements of the grant I received to continue my education, I have committed to teach in a state ranked early childhood classroom for a minimum of two years following the completion of my studies. As I really love what I do and where I work, this is not really a hardship for me. However, with the lack of state funding, I do need to be informed as to other job opportunities should I find myself in the position of needing employment elsewhere.

Unfortunately, job searches for my area are dismal. There are very few positions available, and the ones that are have starting salaries near minimum wage. I am quite sure that the budget crisis in PA is largely at fault for this, as there are numerous centers which were forced to close their doors, leaving many ECE teachers unemployed. The centers that remain open are hesitant about hiring, as future funding is uncertain. Many centers are forced to run with the bare minimum number of staff members. I will continue to pursue my professional development, and advocate for quality early childhood education for all, but I also know in my heart of hearts that, at some point, it may become necessary for me to look for employment outside my field. This is a thought that breaks my heart, and I hope it never becomes reality, but unfortunately it is always in the back of my mind.

EDUC 6358 WK 8 Reflect on Learning

As this class draws to a close I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to those who have supported me on this journey: first and foremost, to my family who has picked up the slack because I was busy with classwork, to my friends who have realized that I am not trying to ignore them but just have a lot of demands on my time, and to my classmates, who have offered feedback and encouragement along the way. I wish you all much success as you move forward from this point.

It is my sincere hope that one day, all classrooms will be anti-biased--that every person is loved, valued, and appreciated for the person that they are without judgement, without fear, without hatred. Maybe one day, all people will live their lives just accepting and valuing all the people around them--not just the ones who look or sound the same as them. Maybe one day, it will not be necessary to make a conscious effort to develop anti-biased classrooms, because they will be the norm. One day....

EDUC 6358 WK 7 Impacts on Early Emotional Development

For this week's assignment, we were to use the UNICEF website to explore challenges to the healthy emotional development for children specific to the part of the world in which they live. I originally chose Belize, but I quickly realized that it didn't really matter where I chose. Children world wide are suffering in many of the same ways.

Poverty is present everywhere. No matter where you look, there are children living in the streets or makeshift homes, lacking electricity and clean running water. They do not have enough food to eat, nor do they have clean clothes to wear. They do not have regular access to showers. They do not see doctors, sometimes even in emergency situations.

Natural disasters can and do strike all areas of the globe. Earthquakes, hurricanes, wild fires, tornadoes--all have the potential for death, injury, and utter destruction of everything in their paths. Children all over the world can and do fall victim to Mother Nature.

There is no where on the planet that is immune to acts of terrorists or war. Children attending a nice elementary school in New England are no safer from gunmen than children living in a war zone.

Too many children are growing up in a world where they do not have enough food to eat, do not have safe homes, cannot bathe regularly, and are afraid of harm coming to them every single day. Even children who live in nice houses with their basic needs met are taking part in "active shooter" drills in school. The impact on emotional development in these children is unimaginable.

EDUC 6358 WK 6 The Sexualization of Early Childhood

I must say that I agree that the world today is much more sexualized that it was in generations past. Children are exposed to images, words, and ideas that they are totally inappropriate for their developmental levels. They do not have the maturity and life experiences to make sense of this input. Many of these children haven't even mastered tying their shoes yet!

One doesn't have to look very far to find examples of the sexualization of young children. Take, for example, the Disney Princesses. The original Princesses wore full length or nearly full length gowns.

Today's princesses, however, feature a lot of exposed skin, skimpy outfits which barely cover the breasts, and heavy make up.

Little girls all over the world idolize these characters. They want to dress and act like them. There is one scene in Aladdin in which Jasmine attempts to "seduce" Jafar to save Aladdin in a highly sexual manner. These are the role models for children today by Disney standards--which is quite tame compared to some others I have seen!

Children's clothing also reflects this sexualization. I have 4 and 5 year old students coming to school in outfits that would make me embarrassed to wear, and shirts with suggestive slogans. My daughter refused to shop in the girl's departments while growing up because she complained that the shirts were too tight, too low cut, too short and usually transparent. Trying to find jeans or pants that actually covered her backside was a nightmare, as most rode low on the hips and exposed quite a bit if she bent over. Today, at age 28, she still rebels against the look she is expected by society to have. She wears no make-up other than lip balm, doesn't have her ears pierced, wears no jewelry or perfume, and only owns one pair of "dress" shoes--and they have NO heels. She owns one skirt and sweater that she wears any time that she absolutely has to be really dressed up and could care less that everyone has already seen it numerous times. She does, however, own about a dozen pairs of sneakers and even more pairs of work boots. Most days she wears jeans and oversized hoodies, and her work clothes consist of her paramedic's uniform or her turn out gear.

My daughter Panda and her boyfriend JD.

Television shows are also exposing children to highly sexual content around the clock. When I was a kid, daytime programing was pretty wholesome, and prime time shows were tame. You had to stay up past 10 PM to see anything even remotely "dirty" The sexiest thing I remember seeing was Bo Duke wearing no shirt and his sister Daisy wearing short shorts--but no one ever did anything more than innocent kisses on the Dukes of Hazard. Today, however, sex is on display round the clock, and since more children than ever are left unsupervised in front of the "electronic babysitter", more children are exposed to language, acts, and situations that they are unprepared to deal with. While typing this blog, I am watching The Year Without A Santa Claus--a children's Christmas special about believing in Santa Claus on ABC Family. During the commercial break, I viewed an ad for a show called Recovery Road, which showed a teenager passed out drunk in the yard, partying heavily, and going into rehab. It's 3:15 on a Saturday afternoon, and this show is being promoted to young children! During the same commercial break there was a shampoo ad in which a woman strutted around in a tight white dress and a perfume commercial during which a woman ran away from her wedding, ripped off her wedding gown and got picked up by a helicopter and flew away while Janis Joplin played in the background.

Children cannot be protected from everything unless we lock them away from the real world. However, there are steps people can take to greatly reduce children's exposure to sexual content. For starters, parents need to enable the parental controls on their televisions, and block children from viewing inappropriate shows. They can use the "On Demand" feature to allow children to watch appropriate shows without viewing inappropriate ads. They can turn off the radio in the car and listen to prerecorded, appropriate music. They can refuse to allow their children to wear inappropriate clothing. They can monitor what their children are reading, listening to, and watching. It takes times, and parents will need to step up and set limits which will make them unpopular with their children.

This week's topic was not a new idea to me--as the mother of four I have been keenly aware of how sexualized children have become for quite some time. My kids were not thrilled with me when I refused to let them see inappropriate shows on TV, or listen to inappropriate music, or wear clothing with sexual references. In fact, there were times when they claimed they hated me and that I was ruining their lives. But, they got over it and life went on. It is long past time for children to be allowed to remain children.