Time Well Spent

At least three deeply felt learnings from this program

I have learned three important things in this class, which include leadership, how to develop a community of practice, and how to respond to a challenge.  I learned that leadership is an important part of responding to a challenge.  A leader must be able to direct the community of practice and address unexpected consequences of challenge goals.  I also learned how to develop a community of practice using people and power agents in the community.  I further realize the importance of being a social change agent and an advocate for children in early childhood education.  These three important lessons helped me to develop a solid response to a problem and challenge within my own community.

At least one long-term goal

My long-term goal is to become an administrator at the local Head Start center in Indianola.  I believe that I can create more change in an administrative position.

A farewell message to your Instructor and colleagues

I would like to thank the instructor and my colleagues for their continued support and feedback throughout the course.  I have enjoyed working with everyone.  I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and goals.  I bid you all a fond farewell and I hope to work with you in the future.  Thank you.  Debra Morgan.

Images that reflect my experience

Contact Information

Debra Morgan

Email: debra.morgan@waldenu.edu

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The mission of the “Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world” (OECD, 2013). The OECD offers a Young Professionals Program to help new recruits join the organization. The company has a position of program assistant, which would be great for me.  The company also offers part-time positions and flexible work hours.  A program assistant works with a program manager.  The skills needed for this position is a degree in business, management skills, and communication skills.  Thankfully, the Young Professionals Program is designed to help new recruits build the skills needed to be successful in the organization.

Save the Children

Save the Children is “the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world” (Save the Children, 2011).  The organization is dedicated to combating poverty and hunger for children, and the organization provides disaster relief.  One of the career positions available at the organization includes a Resource Development manager.  This position requires a person with communication skills, who is able to work with international contacts.  The Resource Development manager must have management and leadership skills, and capable of finding available resources to assist the organization in meeting its goals.  I have always wanted to work for Save the Children.  I have donated money to this organization in the past, and its work to reduce hunger and poverty aligns with my personal and professional goals.

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

UNESCO works to “create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values” (UNESCO, 2011).  The organization works to create peace and to combat poverty.  UNESCO has field offices located around the world.  The positions in these offices require personnel with bilingual skills and resource management skills.  Based on the organization, I would rather join as a member. UNESCO provides opportunities for members to work together to collaborate efforts in research and program development.  As an international organization, UNESCO works to create programs that can be used around the world to combat poverty.

References

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2013). Retrieved June 12, 2013, from http://www.oecd.org/about/

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

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

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

AFT - American Federation of Teachers - A Union of Professionals

The American Federation of Teachers, “an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, was founded in 1916 and today represents 1.5 million members in more than 3,000 local affiliates nationwide” (www.aft.org/‎).  The AFT has an open position for an Organizing Director. This position requires an individual to help organize events for the organization.  This is a great position that requires planning and organizing skills.  The benefit of the AFT is that the organization is a union of professionals who advocate excellence in education. The members of the AFT can help provide resources and assistance in developing programs to address community challenges.

National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators

The National Association of Federal Education Programs (NAFEPA) is “a support organization for educators who work with federally funded programs in their local school districts and in their states” (www.nafepa.org/). The NAFEPA provides assistance and programs to make changes in education.  This organization would be a benefit to the Community of Practice because educators can gain access to funds to help create programs to create change in the schools.  This organization accepts memberships, and is currently active in 28 states.  Mississippi is one of these states, and teachers are welcome to join and receive newsletters and information.

National Parent Teacher Association

The National PTA comprises “millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools” (www.pta.org).  This organization governs Parent Teacher associations in the country.   The members in the organization can share resources and help to develop research strategies that enhance the quality of early childhood education.  The organization has career opportunities that I would love to explore.  One of the most interesting jobs is the Advocacy Coordinator.  This position is currently open, and it requires a person who is willing to coordinate events and programs for PTA organizations. The Advocacy Coordinator also “coordinates with public policy, strategic communications, and technology staff to create and disseminate e-newsletter on federal policy and effective advocacy strategies” (www.pta.org).  I would love to work in this position because I would like to develop new policies to enhance advocacy efforts in early childhood education.

References

www.aft.org/‎

www.nafepa.org/

www.pta.org/‎