As I explored the communities of practice within my neighborhood and on the state level I thought of those that would allow me to not only learn from them through their experiences but also allow me the opportunity to exchange ideas by encouraging me to speak my voice. The following communities of practice shared my vision regarding the early childhood education profession:
1. Family Resource Center which supports and encourages parental involvement through a collaborative effort between the parents, schools, district, and program personnel. I think that in order for our children to be successful it is critical that parents be involved in the process. Through workshops, activities, meetings, written and media communication, parents will be provided strategies to not only aid their child, but increase their educational awareness as well. The Parent Community Liaison position interest me as it assist parents in understanding the program requirements along with developing and regularly organizing school-based parent activities. The necessary skills needed for this position is to provide educational and community outreach assistance to students and parents in addition to offering information. The skills necessary for this job is to have a high school diploma, be aware of community opinions and to possess excellent communication skills.
2. Peach Public Library which enhances the educational, cultural and recreational life of the community. As a English Language Arts teacher, this community of practice interests me as the library promotes reading awareness through knowledge and insights to prevent ignorance, intolerance, and apathy by making resources available to every child and young person in the county. The job opportunity available within this community of practice is for a Librarian that strictly supports the children’s section. They are responsible for developing and implementing a program of services for children and their families. The prerequisite skills needed for this profession is a Master's degree in Library and Information Science in addition to two years of professional experience in the public library field, however a combination of education, training, and experience is also key.
3. The Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) supports, protects, and strengthens Georgia’s children through observing the State Board of Education, the Georgia Department of Education, the Professional Standards Commission, and the Teachers Retirement System by keeping all informed of policies affecting education and teaching. The educational curriculum can be only as good as our educators, so GAE pledges to advocate and support public educators in and out of the classroom through community involvement and partnership. There were no positions, other than educators, within this realm of community of service, yet as I researched further within this community of practice I was drawn to the profession of the Professional Learning Coach. This person is responsible for providing training and support to teachers with curriculum execution and lesson planning by allowing them to self manage, self check, and improve upon their skills through guidance and mentorship. The skills and experience needed for this type of position would be to hold a master’s or doctoral degree with superb communication and professional development abilities. This position also requires countless hours in detailed coaching training courses.
As you see I have a realm of communities of practice that would broaden my collaboration efforts within the early childhood education community population. Through all three communities of practice I would be able to build my confidence, develop connections, problem solve, and learn from others by sharing our knowledge while engaging in mutual activities and discussions (Helm, 2007).
Reference:
Helm, J. (2007). Building communities of practice. YC: Young Children.
I really liked that you said the Georgia Association of Educators. It is so important to work with the government. We are able to make big changes that way and do things that will very much so support the children and families in our communities.
ReplyDeleteThe parent community liaison sounds like a fascinating position. It sounds similar to an organization in Arizona that puts on parent education events and activities for the children. I wish you the best if that is what your are interested in.
ReplyDeleteI would have never of thought of the library as a community of learn but it make sense. They are there and give so much to the learning of children and families, in fact with our last class I went to our local library's site to find books on the various topics needed. Thank you for the new place to learn from.
ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteLike Laury said I would have never thought of the library. Our library provides a summer reading program for all children. This is a great resource to use. You have a great communities of practice that you are a part of. I hope as I grow within the early childhood field I can form such a network. I learned so much from your post.
Tonetta
Terri,
ReplyDeleteI am from Fort Valley and I am aware of the Family Resource center and it's is a great resource center.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteI also feel strongly about the support of teachers and their pledge to provide what the children need. I am constantly hearing horror stories from my sister on how the teachers treat the students in the state of Florida. It is clear to me that there has to be more understanding of issues that children deal with and strategies that work with the children not find ways to get rid of them so they become an issue for someone else!!