Monday, April 24, 2017

Time Well Spent





I can't believe we finally did it!! I'm not going to lie, this whole program was very challenging for me. From learning how to do research again, to re-learning how to write papers, to learning to how to blog and most of all learning how to juggle working full time, being a wife and being a mother through it all. I'm so grateful to have experienced this journey with a group of people who share that same passion as I do. If I had to think to three deeply felt learnings from this program I would say that the knowledge I have gained regarding diversity and equity have influenced me greatly in how I look at the opportunities that I have had and that others have had around me. Secondly, creating a professional learning community has broadened my understanding of how early childhood programs and issues are handled all around the world. Thirdly, I have learned so much regarding intentional and unintentional consequences. This knowledge has helped me to look at ideas from many different angles and take into consideration how one idea/problem/project has the power to influence many different aspects of the lives of young children. A long term goal which I have is to become a college professor and teach aspiring early childhood teachers. I am hoping to explore opportunities to teach adults in my community currently with the hopes of one day returning to school for my Doctorate. Finally, thank you to everyone for your feedback, encouragement and thought provoking posts which have helped me to grow as a person and a professional. Best of luck to all of you as you continue to pursue your passion of working with young children and their families!!!

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally


The following three international organizations or communities of practice appealed to me as I researched for this week's blog post:

1) Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (http://www.oecd.org) -This organization appealed to me because of the how it uses its platform to explore how different countries and governments are implementing many different policies which directly affect people's lives. In fact, its mission is to find ways to improve "economic and social well-being" for people all around the world (OECD, n.d.). This organization appealed to me because of how it focuses on improving the lives of people's overall well-being all around the world. In doing so, it presents a different avenue to improve the lives of young children. One employment opportunity which I found on their website is for a Policy Analyst – 21st Century Children. This position requires applicants to have 5 years of experience in research and analytical activities, experience as a project manager, experience with organizing meetings/trainings and vast knowledge of research in the area of child development and child well-being. Applicants must also be fluent in at least English and French.

2) United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (http://www.unesco.org) - UNESCO is an organization that works toward creating an international community which allows for communication and collaboration regarding a variety of topics which affect all citizens. I chose this organization because one of their overarching principles is that of "attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning" (UNESCO, 2011). In addition, this organization is the "only United Nations agency with a mandate to cover all aspects of education" (UNESCO, 2011). One employment opportunity which I found on this website is for a Program Specialist in the domain of Communication and Information-Freedom. For this position applicants must have a Masters (or master's equivalent) in one of the following: communication, information, political science or a related field. Applicants must have a minimum of 7 years managing, coordinating and monitoring communication and media development programs. In addition, applicants must have advanced IT skills and be fluent in English or French (fluency in more than one language is preferred).

3) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) (http://www.unicef.org/) - UNICEF is an organization which works toward defending the right of every child on an international platform. Different programs which are covered by this organization include: child protection and inclusion, child survival, education, emergencies, gender, innovation for children, supply and logistics, and research and analysis. I chose this organization because of the work they do to advocate for children with disabilities. "UNICEF's vision is to build a world where every child can grow up healthy, protected from harm and educated, so they can reach their full potential" (UNICEF, n.d.). One job opportunity which I found with this organization is for an International Consultant to strengthen inclusive education in the schools of Maldives. For this position, applicants must have a Master's degree in inclusive education, at least 5 years teaching experience in inclusive education settings, at least 5 years of experience in developing policies and programs related to inclusive education, must have current knowledge of trends in inclusive education, excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) and must be able to manage diverse view points and work in demanding situations.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2017, from http://www.oecd.org/home/0,2987,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved April 11, 2017, from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2017, from http://www.unicef.org/