Retirement is no longer my goal. Knowledge has moved to the foreground. Exactly what I will do with this new treasure, I haven't nailed down just yet..But I am still considering:
1) Establishing a workshop/training session/program that uses Topics #1, #2, and #3.
2) Writing a book for beginning teachers to assist with motivation, morale, and avoiding burnout.
3) Continuing to teach, but moving into the advocacy and public policy, focusing on developmentally appropriate "best practices" for kindergarten assessment and goal establishment.
In these days of educational meetings through the PLC/CLT process
the following Ideals and Principals from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, stand out as MAKE OR BREAK features.
For a variety of reasons, I cannot share specifics, but Trust
within collaboration is critical. Discussions, and working harmony between
colleagues can be destroyed if trust is broken.
A—Responsibilities to co-workers
Ideals
I-3A.1—To establish and maintain relationships of
respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and
cooperation with co-workers.
All
voices should be heard. All voices should be valued. All voices should be
treated equally. If not, then collaboration and cooperation breaks down.
Principles
P-3A.1—We shall recognize the contributions of colleagues
to our program and not participate in practices
that diminish their reputations or impair their
effectiveness in working with children and families.
If we
are to work under the theory that all contributions matter, then at the end of
the day, we all feel connected and accepted as professionals..When we are
diminished, we feel undervalued.
P-3A.2—When we have concerns about the professional
behavior of a co-worker, we shall first let that person
know of our concern in a way that shows respect for
personal dignity and for the diversity to be found
among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the
matter collegially and in a confidential manner.
As
with any profession, there will be professional discord. There are ways to
handle it that do not personally hurt or diminish the feelings of the
colleague. Unfortunately, there are times when we must function in an
environment where some have the “ear” of the leaders. Those end up having the
advantage. And then personal dignity is attacked without the benefit of being
able to defend whatever position is being questioned..
World Forum Foundation http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us This link
connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch
the media segment on this webpage
World Organization for Early Childhood
Education http://www.omep-usnc.org/ Read about OMEP's
mission.
Association for Childhood Education
International http://acei.org/ Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding
Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements
Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden
Library Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to
search for specific journal titles. (Go to "How Do I...?", select "Tips for
Specific Formats and Resources," and then "e-journals" to find this search
interface.)
YC Young Children
Childhood
Journal of Child & Family
Studies
Child Study Journal
Multicultural Education
Early Childhood Education
Journal
Journal of Early Childhood
Research
International Journal of Early
Childhood
Early Childhood Research
Quarterly
Developmental Psychology
Social Studies
Maternal & Child Health
Journal
International Journal of Early Years
Education
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Pinterest: Although many may not see this as a resource, instructionally I find it valuable. There are many teacher sites that are wonderful.
BLACKBOARD: The county that I work in has a specific site for our instructional staff and I spend a lot of time on there.
YOUTUBE: This is the single best place to find instructional songs for use in the classroom. I create and share a monthly playlist for my team. We couldn't afford to purchase every song we need, so it is great for us!
“What children can do with the assistance of others is even more indicative of their mental development than what they can do alone.” Vygotsky, Mind in Society, 1978
"I am not here to save the world, I am
here just to make a difference in the community that I am working."
"One little sparkle will make a
difference for me."
Raymond Hernandez M.S. Ed.
Executive Director, School of Early Childhood Education
University of Southern California
*It's hard not to agree with Raymond Hernandez. Sometimes, we all need just a little bit of sparkle.
References
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). The passion for early childhood
[Video webcast]. In Foundations of early
My parents are the top and most central in my support system.
Dad
As a child, I was the son my dad never had. He took me everywhere, and I was glad to go. I went to the farm offices to "play on the phones and played "secretary." I went hunting and fishing with him. He always had a supportive idea when I struggled to get along with my mom. I can remember lying on my back, starring at the underside of a vintage Ford Mustang watching my dad tinker, and listening to his ideas on how I could do things differently to get along with my sister and mom.
The support never ended. My dad traveled to Russia on two separate trips for me to adopt two baby girls. On my first adoption we had to stay in Russia for a month. He gladly did it. He adores my daughters and comes from Florida to Virginia every 5 or 6 weeks to visit us, excuse me, THEM!
Living my life knowing there is a safety net below me gives me the courage to do things I might not have done if my parents were less supportive.
Mom
My mom was a task master when I was little. She expected far more than I felt I could give. She was the chore maker, homework checker, and rule enforcer. She was also the principal of the school I attended. She was tough. For a while, I wanted to but her in a box and send her to Alaska. But looking back, she had to be that way to me. I was a silly, chatty, social child who cared more about friendships than grades. I had to tow the line for my mom, because I couldn't have cared less about assignments and tests. But mom held fast. She meant what she said, and only said what she meant. I appreciate her devotion to getting me through puberty, high school, and college. I wasn't an easy child! I partied too much in college, a private institution that politely DISMISSED me after a 2.5 years of social infractions and less than stellar grades. That is when my mom nurtured me in the way I needed to be nurtured. Instead of sending me to the school that I would accept me and all me childish flaws, she made me come home. Home to my small town and go to the community college to retake all the courses that wouldn't transfer, and then she would only allow me to go to the school that was in driving distance to complete my degree. It was humiliating. I had to sit at our dining room table and complete my homework. Keggers, sororities, frat parties were over. My dear mother would say, "I will get you through college if it's the last thing I ever do" And she did. I owe her my education. I chose to be a teacher because nursing took longer, because graphic design wasn't a guarantee to employment. And that's what I wanted. I wanted a job, so that I could get out of my childhood home...
My mom also traveled twice to Russia. My parents took turns going on each of the trips so that I wouldn't have to travel alone. I wasn't afraid, they were. And it all worked out.
My mom retired when I adopted my first baby girl. She moved from Florida to Virginia to be with my gal while I worked. She is ever present in our lives and is with my little family everyday. We visit, brainstorm, travel, and enjoy our time together.
Sis
My sister and I have always had a complex relationship. We are night and day. Actually we are last night and two days later! She is sporty and always in a relationship. I was a cheerleader and oboe player and always with a giant group of girls. As young children she was the boss. We played her games and she insisted on teaching me about every sport. I was always afraid of sporty games. I am of the age that Marsha Brady's dreaded nose incident played heavily on my mind...
As much as my sister bossed me, I knew she loved me and would be there if anyone bothered me. We are much closer in adulthood. She traveled to Moscow for each of the "bring the baby home" trip. She instantly loved both of my girls and spends lots of weekends with them. We always take a summer vacation together just to have fun girl time.
Just A Small Town Girl...
When you grow up in a small town, you are supported by many, many, adults. I was lucky enough to be a cheerleader, oboe player, yearbook representative, SGA president, senior play cast member, and all around busy girl. Every person who led those groups became very important in my life. Mrs. Sizemore, my cheerleading sponsor was the first adult I told about my parents divorce. You see, I was the only girl who had parents that were divorcing. The small town took it hard. My mom being the school principal had support, but it didn't look good for her. So our little family kept it a secret.
Of support I felt outside of my parents, my community offered the most. After 45 years, my favorite people are still those from my home town..I still adore those teachers, coaches, friends and first loves..
First loves, best friends..they stay in the life of a small town girl, and keep offering encouragement and wise advice.
I am especially fond of a million quotes about school, children, families, and learning. I am a kindergarten teacher so most of my thoughts link to warm fuzzy quotes. I have several favorites that I will share...
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
- Fred Rogers
“When you know better you do better.” ― Maya Angelou
“In real life, I assure you, there is no such thing as algebra. ” ― Fran Lebowitz
In the first few months of kindergarten, our little ones rest. They bring blankets and sometime they even bring little snuggly toys. And everyday, I read this story, twice as the children rest and become still for the first time. The words are melodic and tender, and after several weeks, I begin to see the children as their eyes slowly blink, and their mouths softly say the words along with me. And friends, that is magic. That is the magic that keeps me in the classroom after 23 years.
What truly fuels my passion for teaching young learners is far more difficult to put into my own words. The words of my students keep me laughing, crying, and returning..
The words of my little "C" whose glasses are always hovering on the tip of her nose bring such inner joy and appreciation for my job, she tells me everyday, "Ms. Green your yutiful."
Then there are the students from years before who come back everyday and tell me they miss kindergarten, not just me, but the whole idea of kindergarten. The place that is full of color and wonder and glitter and paint.
There was my little Muslim student who wanted to be "big" so she wore a scarf to cover her head each day. But her efforts were always beyond her, and she would take it off and swirl it around like the loveliest high flying balloon. I reminded her often that she could be big later...
And then there was the little guy who struggled with his parents separation. And he fought himself and me, and anyone who came near him on his heartache days. We worked hard to get ourselves through that. And I miss him. I worry about him..Not that he won't do better and be better, but that he won't have a soft place to fall, if by chance he does fall..
The stories, the faces, the words, the families, the heartaches, the joy, the blessings..That's why we do it..That's why I teach..
It's amazing how difficult this has been. I compartmentalize my thoughts in such a way that when at work, I am one person. When at home I am another.
Not sure if that makes me bi-polar or possibly schizophrenic, but it's how I have managed to live my life for a while...It works.
But for reasons that aren't important here, there are boat loads of phrases that I wish I could apply to myself, that can't or don't apply anymore..
City Girl in the sexy suburbs... Shoes, purses, nights out, Oh, Kids... Kicked him in the balls, deservedly.... Stood up to fear, walked out.... Christian girl smoking in absurd heels... Love to teach, hate to test... Teaching compassion, missing my own family... Giving others' children my very best... Loving Family it's all there is... My hysterectomy is my happiest memory Still feel 15, with bigger boobs... Longing for Russia, its my home.. 9-11 messed up my life plan.... He took my best years, ass hat... That little Green girl...grew up... You don't find love, you adopt... I haven't stopped dreaming, have you?... Ready for change, ready for adventure... So many hugs, all from students... Mother, Teacher, Daughter, Chaos, Laundry, Glitter.... This girl keeps her promises, always... I toss out toys, ninja-mom style... Will it hurt if I crash?... Glitter in my hair, oh well...
Ya see, I am a million people in my own head. Fabulous in one sense, a hot chocolate mess in the other. I want nothing more than to be more fabulous than mess, but fear that I'm not..
I am not sure why I require more organization from my five year olds than I require from the Heir and the Spare, but I do. It's likely that my exhaustion at the end of the day is the best friend of my children. I am simply too tired to stay on top of them to get their laundry picked up, get their rooms clean, and drill them on their homework. Weekends are pure bliss and nightmare all jumbled into one cosmic push to somehow make up for the family work that wasn't done during the week.
