Blog Assignment: Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3
As an early childhood educator, living in the state of New Jersey, I have learned that the opportunities for being an educator in general are very difficult due to budget cuts and tenure. As a result of these budget cuts, thousands of highly qualified teachers were laid off. As a teacher who was laid off last year because of tenure/seniority, I was upset and angry because I knew that I was and still am very passionate about teaching and I truly have a love for watching children progress in their learning and want very deeply to be a part of their successes. And I knew that there were many teachers still working but literally said they had enough with the field of education, and that they were going to miss months of work to use up all of their sick time before they retired. It is this behavior that disturbs me as both a parent and an educator, and it leaves me with the question as to what message are we sending to new college graduates and novice teacher who have the passion and a.re effective but lack the years of experience.
In the district that I work in, we are required to obtain 500 professional development hours and attain them within two years, and develop a professional development plan in which we set our own professional development goals and we must work towards those goals and achieve it within four years. As an educator, we are life learners, so I think it is appropriate for use to continue to interact with our colleagues, and attend workshops which covers various topics that enhances us as teachers.
As a professional working in an urban district, I have learned that one of my challenges is getting the at home support I need from families. For example, if a child is having behavioral and or academic problems, I want to be able to work with the parents/families so that the child knows that we are a team and we are working together to ensure their success. However, I have learned it is very difficult to get many parents to come out to back to school night, and for parent teacher conferences. One of my dreams is to have families more involved in their child’s education and take the time to get to know me and what I expect of their child and if those expectations aren’t being met, I would love for us to be able to work collaboratively and keep the lines of communication open via e-mail, phone, letters and ect…
Some of my professional goals are to continue to attend workshops so that I can continue to learn my craft and be informed of new trends in education and how they may impact student’s life. Another professional goal of mine is to open up my own daycare center, and as a kindergarten teacher, I know what parents want to see, and as an educator, I know what children need, and it is the love that I have for teaching that motivates me to pursue my goals.
Nicky
Hi Nickon...one of the biggest issues I face is support from parents as well. There are more parents interested in dropping their kids off to be raised by caregivers than there are partnerships with parents to deal with behavioral problems. Parents just don't care as long as their quality of life isn't affected.
ReplyDeleteNicky, there is nothing like having the support of the parents in their child's education. Fortunately I teach in a small rural town where people take the extra step to get invloved. Mind you not all of the parents give their support, but the majority of them do. Nicky just keep on trying to get the parents involved, if it means coming up with different strategies to do so. Just recently we had a 100 day of school project where the children were asked to bring in a project of 100 items to show support for the 100th day of school. At first it did not seem as if any of our kids were going to send in any projects, but finally they started coming and they were great. The parents really took the time to make great posters with 100 items on them. This one poster incooporated black History Month in it, the child'd family as well as the child's favorite foods. This was simple and it was a great project. So stay encouraged Nicky they will eventually come around.
ReplyDeleteNikky,
ReplyDeleteI think we all get a little burnned out when parents treat preschool like dropoff daycare. Recently I have been dealing with a family that complains about everything, and refuses to compromise at all. What keeps me going is the knowledge that this parent really wants only the best for their child, even is they lack the skills to work collaborativly to acheive them. I have made it my personal mission to work with this parent to help her learn to advocate for her child in a respectful partnership atmoshphere instead of demanding and complaining. But, Yeah it can be really draining!
Nicky,
ReplyDeleteI am also from New Jersey and have found it very challenging to find employment in the public school system although my first love is preschool, I have often considered moving just for the salary to help support my family. It is very frustrating to witness teachers that are biding their time until retirement when eager and innovative teachers cannot find jobs. I wish you much success with opening your own school.