Friday, October 26, 2012

Farewell


Three deeply felt learning’s from this program:

This course encouraged me to dig deep within and admit to myself that no matter how often I say I’m not prejudice, I do have prejudices.  And it’s normal everyone has biases.  It’s how we accept those biases as a person and then act on them within our society.  I have a deep passion for my work, and I have a different perspective toward my students and their families.  I look inside before I stereotype. 

I learned who I am. I have a better understanding how my culture has influenced my ways of life and feelings toward others different than me.  I never thought about the impact these influences have made both positively and negatively molding my personality, life style, and interactions with others.

I learned no matter what obstacles I encounter there is always someone else experiencing the same challenge, or there is someone there to help you through the turmoil.  My colleagues and professors have been there to pick me up and help me through struggles.  I was never taught to write professionally in school, because I’m so ooold school.  Reading my colleagues post has helped me and gave me an understanding the importance of teaching writing at the elementary levels.

My passion is stronger and continues to grow.  I can’t change the past, but I can advocate for children and family’s well-being of the future.

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history”  

 -Sonia Johnson, American Feminist, Activist and Writer

My farewell message:

Through this journey I have communicated with many walks of life.  There have been many cultures represented, geographic locations, age differences, and different stages in our professional development.  The beauty of this journey is: We have all been in agreement that there is a need for change in many social areas to support the early childhood education field.  I want to thank Dr. Teri for encouraging me and providing me with positive feedback.  I wish each colleague best wishes on their future endeavors.  Thank you all for sharing and helping grow professionally.   

My long term goal is to continue exploring new information and resources that will help me continue to grow both personally and professionally as an early childhood educator.

My vision is to continue the work against social injustices for our children and their families in the early childhood field.

 My philosophy is if I can make a difference in one child’s life then the battle was worth the fight. 


Best Wishes to All!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally


The three global organizations I chose are the following: UNICEF, Academy for Educational Development, and Save the Children.

UNICEF is the world's leading children's rights organization dedicated to equality and rights for children.  Searching the organization I found many topics that are addressed and I found gender equality for women to be appealing.  I chose this organization’s site because throughout history women have been discriminated against.  Lower pay for the same job men do. Sense women out populate the male sex it’s harder for them potentially to achieve certain goals. Women take on many different roles, mother, caregiver, household, and then career.  The organization advocates for women helping to provide health care for children and educational opportunities.   For more information connect to the following website: http://www.unicef.org/mdg/gender.html

 Goal: Promote gender equality and empower women: UNICEF represents different sectors throughout the globe.    “Recent statistics show that for every 100 boys out of school, there are still 117 girls in the same situation” (UNICEF, 2005).  UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
Job opening:  Consultancy Assignment: Consultant for Equitable Quality Education and Learning Outcomes
Qualifications:
Higher degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social science or related field
 Minimum 3 years of professional experience in the field of education or social sciences and gender equity
Excellent communication, analytical and writing skills in English

Academy for Educational Development also known as the FHI 360 approach.  The organization FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment, gender, youth, research and technology – creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories (AED, 2011). I was not familiar with this organization.  I liked their goals and mission being dedicated to the human race.

Save the Children.  We are all familiar with the Save the Children organization. Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. Their vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. The mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives (Save the Children). Employment at Save the Children provides the opportunity to join a dedicated and diverse staff committed to the improving the well-being of children all over the world.  As the spokesman commented, “The children are the future”.  I agree by nurturing and providing education, health care, shelter, food,   and love in many cases can positively impact our future generations. 

References:

 Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm


United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/