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

Three of the national/federal organizations of practice that appeal to me are: National Education Association (NEA), National Black Child Development Institute ( NBCDI) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The reasons are:

The  NEA Mission appealed to me because the mission is:

“The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States” (NEA, 2014).

Another organization of practice which appeals to because of their mission is NBCDI. The mission of the group is to take on and work with leaders, policy makers etc. about issues which directly have an impact on Black children and their families and more….(NBCDI, 2013)

The third organization is NAEYC which mission is “serve and act on the behalf on the needs, rights and well-being of all young people” (NAEYC, 2014). There are many jobs available in the surrounding counties here in Georgia.  The jobs range from teaches to principals. Most of the jobs available in the surrounding area are for elementary teachers. My ideal job is own a school. I want to advocate for children and their families any way I can. I want to be a person who can help children who would normally “fall through the cracks” of the average system. I want to help and advocate for students who are like I was. I was told I had a learning disability. During that time, I was a student who was told I would never go to college because I was not smart enough. I was told that by teacher. My mother worked with me and encouraged me and of course I was able to complete high school, college and I now have two advanced degrees. I decided that no other child should have to experience the negativity I did. I want to be there to encourage each student and to help the students and their families.

Reference

National Black Child Development (2013) Retrieved from http://www.nbcdi.org/

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/

National Education Association (2014) Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/19583.htm

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

There are so many groups available for early childhood educator and all other educator. Many of the organizations are available to help educators and future educators. There is a wealth of information that can be obtained through these organizations. The organizations provide a community of practice. The communities will help one grow professionally.

            One of the organizations in which I am interested in becoming a part of is the National Education Association (NEA). The mission of the NEA is to advocate for education professionals and to unite their members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world (NEA, 2014).  

            Another group that I would love to become a part of is the National Black Child Development Institute because they are an organization dedicated to the success and well-being of Black Children. The organization advocates for education, the care and health of black children and their families.  They focus on the strengths and needs of the black community. They provide publications, programs, training, etc related to early child care and education and more. Their mission: “For more than 40 years, the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) has been at the forefront of engaging leaders, policymakers, professionals, and parents around critical and timely issues that directly impact Black children and their families. We are a trusted partner in delivering culturally relevant resources that respond to the unique strengths and needs of Black children around issues including early childhood education, health, child welfare, literacy, and family engagement. With the support of our Affiliate network in communities across the country, we are committed to our mission ‘to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy’” (NBCDI, 2013).

            There are a number of jobs available in Georgia. There are a few opening for principals and assistant principals; however, most of the positions available are for teachers. The positions are for P-5 combination. I would like to be an educator, but my greatest passion is to start an early childhood education program. My dream is to start a school which will cater to low income families. I want to ensure that the children are properly prepared for school. I also have a passion to work with children and families with learning disabilities. I think that I would be qualified to work with these students because of personal experience. I was told I had a learning disability at a younger age. Learning was and is a challenge for me because I do learn differently from most. I will have the ability to encourage students and their families when they are dealing with the challenges of every day. I am an example that learning and education may be a challenge because our brains are different, but it is not impossible. The children and families can see that they have the same chance to graduate from high school and even college. Starting a school is a passion for the reason mentioned above. I want everyone to feel equal.

Reference

National Black Child Development (2013) retrieved from http://www.nbcdi.org/

National Education Association (2014) retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/19583.htm.