Specific sections that I enjoyed reading and looking into is the blog section where early childhood professionals voice out their opinions and facts to learn more about what they are teaching and how it works. Its called "Tip a Week Blog." A couple topics I came a crossed where professionals were interacting with one another are what's the best day to advocate for your center, tips for stressed out teachers, how to be a tourist in your hometown and more.. This is helpful in my professional development because this shows there is always somewhere or someone to help with questions and concerns even if someone you don't know. This site is very informative and supportive for all advocates and childhood professionals.
An article that I found quite interesting in how controversial it is for programs to fill the caps with skilled teachers. The website of this article is http://www.pacenet.org/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=186 . I believe this is a major issue in the field then and now. Due to the economy and other situations that occurs, high quality teachers are minimal. There are so many articles on this subject, but it made me realize how hard it is to fill these gaps. Why are schools not hiring the best ones qualified? Why are professionals such as myself still looking for a job around the area for 4 years now? There are many gaps to be filled all around the country.
On the PACE website, there is an article that states what President Barack Obama plans do for early childhood education. This describes to me how politicians and economists are involved to ensure children are getting the best education possible. The article to read more about this http://www.pacenet.org/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=190&type=News. The president states "We know what we have to do...so let's do what works and make sure none of our children start the race of life already behind." I really like this quote because it shows that we need to start as early as possible whether its voicing what we believe in, investing into an early childhood program, or studying ways children learn easier and more effectively.
Here are some other articles that are very interesting and informative to learn about issues and trends in education...
http://www.pacenet.org/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=188
http://www.pacenet.org/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=184
I understand what you mean about seemingly low qualified teachers. One reason I believe is that centers in an attempt to keep their payroll down don't want to pay for a teacher that has a bachelors degree. Many qualified teachers will leave their first love of Birth to Three and go teach in a K-4 school so they can make a more sustainable income. It is so important to have high quality teachers but the funding needs to be there to pay them.
ReplyDeleteI see a lot of under qualified teachers still working around my school district. Many of them have been there for so long that no longer care about the students and simply show up to collect a pay check. It is very unfortuate that more cannot be done because there are a great number of individuals such as yourself and myself that cannot find the right job but are very qualified.
ReplyDeleteBrittany,
ReplyDeleteThe blog you described where teachers collaborate and share resources sounds very useful, especially if the teachers sharing information are highly skilled! Teachers often serve as great resources to one another, something we can keep in mind as we continue our professional growth!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI love that quote too. You found some great resources. Thanks for sharing. I have worked in early childhood for a number of years. I think by choosing to attend Walden, my eyes have truly opened. I am seeing things, finding resources, and interacting with others like never before. Early childhood is an investment we can't afford to not support.
I have come across teachers who weren't as qualified as others, I think that the best way to strengthen this is by the collaboration of professionals sharing resources and ideas. We have to make sure the educators/ professionals are educated and skilled enough to help our children grow and ensure a good education.
ReplyDelete