Time Well Spent!!

There are many things I have learned over the past few months that will greatly affect the way I teach my class, proceed in the field of early childhood and also live my personal life.  It is amazing how the classes and the individual that I have "met" on-line have changed me personally and professionally.  The colleagues in my core classes had such an impact on my way of thinking through discussion posts and feedback.  My instructors constructive criticism has been so valuable as I think about what I would like to do in the future.  Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my Masters Education and I actually get emotional when I think about not logging in and having papers to write, discussion posts to make or insightful postings to read from my friends at Walden.  I will miss this part of my life.  (I actually have 2 or 3 classes left but know this is how I will feel and actually it will take me that long to be able to let go of all of this).  Like many of you I am realistic about time and know that even though I would like to log on and blog, facebook or email, don't think time will allow it.  I am hoping to be wrong about that.  Anyway, thanks for everything and all it encompasses Walden University.  I have learned so much and enjoyed this experience immensely.

My long term goal is to get a job with health benefits.  I would also like that job to pay better then the one I have currently so I can support my 3 sons and myself.  OK, now that I got the selfish goals out of the way... I want to make a difference in as many children's lives as possible.  I think the best way to do that is to teach college.  A colleague, sorry can't remember who, posted once that she felt like she made more of an impact in the lives of children by effectively educating college students so they could go out in the field and make educate young children and build relationships with families.  I love that part of my job but she was right.  I want to teach college.  Ideally I would like to have a preschool lab within that college so I can continue to do what I love which is teach young children and get to know their families.  I would also like to write articles for the local newspapers to educate people about the importance of early childhood and activities to do with their children to enhance their development. 

As I write about 3 deeply felt learning's it is difficult to narrow it down to 3.  The ironic part is that the first thing that comes to mind is the class that I felt was a waste of time to begin with.  I live in a small Northern Michigan community and wondered what I could learn about a class on culture and diversity.  I learned so much about others and how it must feel to live in a society that is so different then their own.  I was moved by this class and began to really notice people around me and how different they were even in my small town.  I appreciate the things they have had to "give up" to be a part of the dominant culture.  I have also become much more accepting as a result.  I realize that we all come from different places and walked down different paths and that should be taken into consideration as we build relationships and keep open minds as we meet new people.

The second learning is that I have been living in a bubble.  Not only in terms of culture and diversity but all the possibilities out there for educators with a passion.  I don't think I am to the point of realizing that I can do so much more now that I am getting this additional education.  I look forward to joining and becoming more involved in the organizations that we researched along the way.  Keeping up on the field is so important.

The third thing was the class on communication.  Many people in my life, especially my mom, have commented that I have a difficult time communicating.  Being a supervisor or manager, I was very concerned about that so looked forward to taking the class and changing MY ways.  So I wrote about it and know from this class that I have a lot to work on and am getting better.  I will never ever forget what Dr. Ferrari said after a very emotional (actually therapeutic) paper I wrote about my communication problems.  She said "just because someone says you have communication problems doesn't mean that you do."  That was eye-opening to me.  I took the criticism and always felt it was my issue which is not always the case.  Most of my communication revolves around that comment swirling in my head.  Yes I still have work to do on the way I communicate but I shouldn't bear all of the burden when it is ineffective.  I will always remember that for personal and professional purposes.  

ECE Jobs in the International Community

(1)  Research Assistant for the Academy of Educational Development
Position Description:

• Assist with the development, management and implementation of clinical trials under the supervision of senior research staff in the NIH-sponsored Microbicide Trials Network (MTN).
• Assist study team members with the coordination, development, review and revision of assigned study related documents including protocols, amendment documents, review responses, procedures manuals, case report forms, reports, site tools, publications, etc.
• Organize, facilitate and document team meetings and conference calls.
• Assist sites and teams with scientific and ethical review and approval procedures as well as file maintenance.
• Assist with development of study training materials; assist with training as needed.
• Assist with in-house and on-site review of study progress and data quality. Work with study team members both in-house and outside of FHI 360 to ensure quality in the conduct of the study and/or the study data. Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Assist in oversight of the qualitative and quantitative progress of research and research implementation activities via site visits, telecommunications, letters and e-mail; assist with oversight of study-specific reporting and tracking of key indicators for evaluation of site performance and study progress.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask. Familiarity with basic aspects of research methodology and study design. Knowledge of the public health research process with adequate exposure to or experience in implementation, management, and/or monitoring of studies, preferably clinical trials. Understanding of current Good Clinical Practices and/or other pertinent federal regulations and expert guidelines applicable to the conduct of research. Understanding basic data processing functions. Relevant language skills. Relevant computer software skills. Frequent professional interaction with sponsor and collaborating institution personnel; handling of problem situations with tact and professionalism. Work as member of interdisciplinary team. Usual office working conditions. Ability to travel (domestic and international) at least 25%.

Minimum Requirements:

Education/Experience: BS/BA in public health or related field and 2-4 years relevant experience; or MS/MA in public health or related field, preferably with 1-2 years of relevant experience; intermediate professional level of knowledge and expertise in research methods and application; or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

www.aed.org

(2)  The second organization I would like to work for is the Association for Childhood Education International. 

This organization promotes and supports the optimal education and development of children worldwide and also infuences the professional growth of educators.  They consult with the United Nations.  There were no jobs posted and was mostly made up of volunteers.  I would like to be on the program committee that handles the publications, research and provides membership outreach.

www.acei.org

(3) The third organization is OMEP-USNC. 

This organization has national committees in over 60 countries.  It participates in a variety of research, development and advocacy projects.  It has organized a Haiti Relief Project, a book drive for a preschool in Jamaica, plans events such as Universal Children's Day.  It also offers workshops, seminars and conferences to reaise awareness of the world's children.  There were no job openings posted.  I think a majority of the positions are on a volunteer basis. I enjoy research and providing data to agencies to help improve programming.  I would like to do that for this organization.

www.omep-usnc.org

Another agency that I looked into was the National Head Start Association.  There wer two ideal jobs for me on their employment website.  Unfortunately they were in the wrong state.  I would really like the Education Director position in Chicago or the Director of Early Head Start and Head Start in Nebraska.  So if you live in either one of those states check these positions out.

Finally my dream job is available at Michigan State University.  All of my career I have wanted to teach at the preschool lab and also teach the college students.  I went to MIAEYC website and they have this exact position posted there.  They do require a Masters Degree and I won't be done for awhile so will need to wait and hopefully another position will open.  It is not ideal for my family as MSU is about 4 hours away but long term this would be a great jobe for me.  By working for MSU I could also get reduced tuition for my children which is another bonus. 

Jobs in the Early Childhood Community

The three organizations that I would choose include:

1. Center for the Child Care Workforce
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor
3. Michigan Association of the Early Young Child

My ideal job and the skills/education necessary to do the job include:
Head Start literacy coordinator, this job requires experience in the early childhood field and also a Masters degree.  This person would coordinate all the literacy programs used by the Head Start Centers in the program area.

Supervise several staff and teachers in a Head Start service area.  I would need prior supervisory experience, several years of teaching experience, and a Masters degree.

My most desirable job would be an instructor of Early Childhood Education at a community college that also has a preschool lab with children ages 2-kindergarten age.  I would teach preschool and college students in the preschool environment.   I would need a Masters degree in early childhood education, a lot of teaching experience, and supervisory experience as well. 

For all three of these jobs I would need to be supportive, understanding of staff, organized, a self-starter, multi-tasker and able to handle many issues at one time. 

Exploring roles in the Early Childhood Field

Three agencies of community of practice that appeal to me and why include:

1. A local community college called Baker College.  This appeals to me because I really want to be a college instructor.  I would love to work at a college with a preschool center because I don't want to have to give up that portion of my career to be able to do the other one.  I have a very hectic life so this would maybe allow me to make my own schedule.  I would like to teach onine but after the big change at Walden am thinking about changing my mind about that.  The change has been difficut for us but am sure it is much more diffficult for a professor trying to handle upset, confused students and grade papers.
2. The second community of practice includes a new program called Great Start to Quality.  It is Michigan's attempt at the Race to the Top Grant.  We did not receive the grant the first time around so are putting programs in place to be more competitive for the second time around.  It is a rating system that preschool centers participate in to try and receive a high as rating as possible with a maximum of 5.  Parent's can look on-line and see the rating that a preschool program received. This will make the quality of our preschool centers very high and the education of young chilren will be monitored and imporved greaty.  It is a great new program and I would like to be a part of it.  Assessments are a big part of it and I love doing assessments. 
3. The third community of practice that appeals to me is the local MiAEYC organization.  Most importantly I think that belonging to an organization is important for my professional career and it also provides a great resource for me when I need information for papers and other research products. 

A couple of the jobs that interest me are listed above.  A couple other jobs would be a literacy coordinator/supervisor for all the head start centers in our region.  This or another administrative job with Head Start would be very exciting to me.  I currently do not receive health benefits or a very big paycheck, and while I love my job that will be a big reason why I leave and find a different job.

To be a college instructor I know I definetly need my Masters degree.  For the other positions they prefer one but it is not  requirement.  I have so much other professional development, experience and other education that I think I am all set with what I would need to do the other jobs. 

So Long, Farewell...

For some of you I will meet up with you in future classes.  I think on-line classes and Walden University was a really good choice for me.  I have found the classes to be very thought provoking and have learned a lot to help me with my profession.  The second part of that is the classmates I have had that have also contributed to my learning experience.  Just when I think I have made a pretty good post and included lots of information regarding the subject, everyone always surprises me by including stuff I didn't think about or find during my research.  I love reading discussion posts.  Thank you everyone for enhancing my education with your wonderful information and thorough posts.   Take care.  Get on facebook site.  It is very fun.  Can't wait to see pictures of Owen in June.

Team Building and Collaboration

Leaving a group has never been a very difficult thing for me to do.  I am usually ready to make some changes or have the project be over by the time we get to the end.  As I have gotten older I realize the importance of not burning bridges and to leave a group feeling good about the other people and on a positive note.  Just when you think you will never see someone again you do.  If that is not the case, you know someone who does know them and you wish you would have done something differently.

I think the hardest groups to leave are those that you make friendships with.  I feel like a broken record but I don't build relationships with others very easily and put up walls during group times to avoid getting let down so don't build attachments to others.  As far as leaving a project I am so competitive that completion is almost as much of a reward as what the actual project produces.  I enjoy the thrill of deadlines, making a plan and getting things done correctly and quickly. 

When I am in groups I tend to pick the part of the projects that I can work on by myself or don't need a bunch of people to complete it.  This way I do not have to rely on others to get my piece done and I am in control of the pace and the outcome.

Geez, I sound really bad.  That is not true.  I am definety to controlling and competitive but awareness is half the battle, right?  As I proceed through my Masters degree I also am learning how to control these emotions more effectively and be more of a team player.  It is definetly a work in progress.

I think the importance of closure is good for any relationship.  It opens you up for the new task.  If you don't review the good and the bad of a particular task you will always wonder and second guess the choices you made.  Constructive feedback is really helpful so you are able to move forward and not make the same mistakes again, or at least try too. 

Saying good bye to some of the colleagues in this class will be unfortunate.  Louann has been with me since the beginning.  Terri was with us for awhile but haven't seen her in our group lately.  It is interesting to know a lot about someone without actually meeting them.  On-line dating is the same way.  I met my current boyfriend on-line.  I knew so much about him maybe because we could email and talk onthe phone about anything because we didn't have that romantic, emotional bond yet that happens sometimes after a first date.  Typically on a first date you get to know so much about the other person but I already knew so much about them  Same with Louann and others that have been in several of my groups.  I already know so much about Louann, at least professionally, who she is as a person, and a little bit about her family and we haven't even met.  I have enjoyed learning from them and enjoy seeing them in my group when we start a new class.  As we seperate into different specialiazations I am sure I will find others who will be in many of my classes and get to know them as well. 

Non-violent communication and Conflict Management

For better or worse, I seem to have a lot of conflict in my life right now which are making these assignments super easy.  My boyfriend and I have a lot of conflict it seems.  He was in the hospital for a few weeks and is still recovering so has to ask for a lot of help from me and others.  He is very independent and does not like relying on other people.  This is frustrating for him.  As time goes on it becomes more stressful but he is doing his best.  A recent conflict we had was about my 8 pound dog.  He is a clean, cute, easy dog in my opinion.  I am on spring break, my kids are at their dads so planned on staying at his house with my little dog.  My dog is very attached to me and my boyfriend wanted him to stay out of the family room and off the couch while we watched movies.  I told him the dog would cry and I did not want him to sit alone in the kitchen anyway.  We got in a huge fight and I almost stormed out.  My argument was after all of the driving I had done I did not want to pack him up, take him outside in the cold and drive (AGAIN!) to my house just because the dog couldn't be on a clean blanket on the couch.  However, he can be on the exact same blanket on the bed.  He wsn't going to stop me from leaving and said "be careful on what you say and do" in almost a threatening tone.   This would have been a good time to compromise.  He could have calmly and easily said "How about this..." or "Can we try this...".  I understand he is not a dog person but how can I have a dog I adore to pieces and want with me and him tell me to leave it in the kitchen.  I decided to put his blanket on the floor and sit on the floor with the dog, mad!!!  It was a very quiet evening and not very fun.  I am a reasonable person, don't hold a grudge and am pretty easy-going.  I don't like being told what to do, having it be only one way with no compromise and no calm discussion.  I think I would have left if he was healthier and more capable of taking care of himself. 

I felt a lot of feelings on the "non-satisfied" feelings list (retrieved from the Non-Violent Communication website, www.cnvc.org) including but not limited to ashamed, guilty, worried, and resentful.  Reviewing this list of words I realize I have felt a lot of them lately and that is not a good thing when it comes to any relationships. 

I am anxious to hear from others on their viewpoints of the dog in the living room scenario.  Did I overreact and the dog would have been perfectly happy and fine in the kitchen? or was it really that big a deal for him to sit on the couch/on my lap, ON HIS BLANKET, on the couch?  As I get a grip on the realty of where I am at in this relationship and especially the issue of the dog, I look forward to your feedback.