Week 8 :: Finally Done--Thank you!!

Wow! I cannot believe I am finally done with this program! When I started eighteen months ago, I thought the end would come with a huge feeling of accomplishment and relief. Sadly, I am not feeling any of that. I think it will all hit me when I get confirmation that I actually have the diploma coming and that my MA-6 got full points! I also think this is a time of mourning  in a way as well. I will mourn the loss of all the homework that took up all of my free time and depleted my social calendar.

I feel drained and tired and spent. I know this will all wear off but right now, in this moment, it is hard for me to celebrate. I just celebrated my birthday last night (Oct 18) and I had to leave the dinner early to make sure I started on my last assignment on time in order to finish it, edit it and change it. I told myself that after this is all done I will celebrate...maybe that's what I need to do...get through this first and then BREATHE! Then celebrate!

Farewells/Thank Yous First
There are some people I would love to celebrate and thank.

First of all, DR TERI! For goodness sake! If it weren't for her I would have been a wreck. She was sop patient and supportive. I never felt as though my screw-ups were as major as I thought because she assured me they weren't. I was suffering through some medical issues during this course and could only bring myself to do so much work at a time. Dr. Teri's newsletters helped me go step by step and focus on one thing at a time...I was so grateful for those bits of organizational wisdom! The newsletters were a life saver for sure!

I would also like to thank and say goodbye to my colleagues who helped me during this course:
Jody Kruger
Karen Davis
Wendy Newby
Kaitlyn McPhillips
Stacie Phillips

Although I may not have commented on all of your blogs all of the time, or to your discussions, I did learn a lot from reading your thoughts and your experiences. I do wish to keep in contact with all of you so please please send me your contact info! My contact info is:

Kim Martin
teacher.kim2011@gmail.com

Three Deeply-Felt Learnings & Some Photos

I know I have felt so strongly about early childhood for a long time. I just never knew how much until I embarked on this journey. Why would anyone give up all their free time and social life for a degree? I did it because I am passionate about teaching children, and now, teaching adults how to teach children.
I feel deeply that my voice is just now beginning to be heard. I know that with the degree behind me, I have the credibility to finally be heard and that will be necessary to make things happen.

I also feel deeply about revamping the entire thought process about self-esteem. We need another way to look at building confidence in children. We need a new definition of self-esteem and we need to STOP focusing on that aspect of development. Instead, turn towards confidence. Rephrase the discussion and start teaching how to build confidence through self-control and independence.

Finally, I feel deeply that things in the field will never get beyond where they are as long as the government is paying the bills. We need more efforts from the private sector and more support from wealthy people/movie stars/philanthropists who champion efforts over seas. We need a more diverse dialogue in order to get the changes we need (fair wages, help for for-profit schools, etc). We need the support of the scientific community and the movers and shakers on Wall Street to devote their resources to funding endeavors that get over-looked.

Here are some photos of me with the kids as they celebrated my birthday in class on Thursday (I took my actual birthday off...it was Friday the 18th). We had a dance party and it was also Crazy Hair Day!! I bought glow wristbands for them so we turned off the lights and danced in the dark holding out hands in the air! It was a blast and it always reminds me why I do what I do...because I love it!

One long term goal

My one goal is to visit Jody in Qatar! Ever since I read about her life there and what she is doing there and how she has the resources to do so many great things, I want to go there and learn and work there! Hopefully she will still be there doing great work when I am ready to visit!

Thank you all again for helping me through this. I hope I was able to be of some help to some of you. I will be sure to keep in contact with you as well. We are in this together and forever bonded through the process. We shared something so important and special...no one else but us and others who came before us know what this feels like. The shared experience is amazing. I want to see how and where you go from here! The sky's the limit!

Week 6 :: International ECE Job Prospects

This was fun. I had already been researching jobs on Vancouver Island, British Colombia, because I have always wanted to move there.

I went to Vancouver Island University for my first search:
http://www.viu.ca/ce/courses/healthandhumanservices.asp#human-services
I found some jobs listings for adjunct faculty (the job I do now for night school) that looked like something I would like to do there. Unfortunately they have no openings. They just list the jobs. They have 3 campuses so that gives me options.

Another source was my friend's non-profit organization based in China. The program is called Manos International and what they do is hire teachers to go into poor cities in countries all over the world and help set up schools to teach the children who cannot get to other schools due to lack of funds or transportation, etc. Their popular program is the cultural education program.
http://www.manosintl.org/cultural-education-program.html
From the site:
The Cultural Education Program is Manos' core program, where volunteers bring enriching youth development activities to our community centers and sites themed on four countries each program year. The Program incorporates fun educational activities that build life skills, while teaching global and cultural awareness.  Over the years, we have studied more than 20 countries with the children we serve. Each country is hosted over a four week session where our Community Centers transform into the country being studied.  Children enter the Centers with their Manos "Passports"  and get an international traveling experience, brought directly to them at their community centers. Volunteers share the sights and sounds of four different countries through planned activities over four week for each country:

• General education about each country (such as geography, population, language, history).
• Arts & crafts themed on each country
•  Indoor and outdoor games, including sports from the four countries
• And, finally, each four-week session ends with a Cultural Party, where the community centers are further transformed for a grand finale event.

They always have teacher positions open and I have always wanted to help out with this wonderful organization.

Finally, I found UNJobs and they had this job listing that sounded interesting:
http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1378152763408

Tracking Code 302252-818 Job Description

This is a local position. Candidates must have legal authorization to work and currently reside in Kenya, to be considered for this position.

ChildFund Kenya is recruiting for the position of Program Manager and is seeking for a self motivated and dynamic individual to spearhead the implementation of one of its Early Childhood Development project in Nairobi and Coastal regions. The position will report to the Programs Director. The project's goal is 'Assuring the essential of optimal development of infants and young children affected by HIV and Aids'.

Working closely with the ECD Specialist, the Grants Coordinator, affiliated COs, and other stakeholders on the ground, the Program Manager will be responsible for the following:

• Lead and coordinate the development of Detailed Implementation Plans (DIP) and oversee implementation of the project activities in line with the approved plans
• Ensure plans are implemented according to approved budget and donor guidelines, and that ChildFund procedures and policies are adhered to at all times.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate project activities and use the information to improve project quality and implementation; and to pro-actively identify risks related to contract compliance and prescribe, implement and manage corrective action.
• Timely preparation and submission of quality progress reports that meet the organizations/donor requirements, as stipulated in the contract.
• Maintain accurate project records.
• Maintain staff technical proficiency and productivity.
• Document lessons learnt and best practices for experience sharing and replication.
• Ensure project staff adheres to the organisation's programming principles, procurement, administrative and financial policies.

Required Skills

• A Bachelors degree level qualification in Development studies or Social Sciences from a reputable University,
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience implementing programs with Community Based Organizations.
• Team Player with excellent communication and community mobilization skills.
• High level of credibility and integrity.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Training and facilitation skills and experience are required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Required Experience

• A minimum of 3 years experience in programme design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and donor contract management.

Job Location Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya Position Type Full-Time/Regular Salary 180,000.00 - 200,000.00 KES

Week 4 :: National and Federal Organizations or Communities

• At least three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them

1. Of course I chose the NAEYC (http://www.naeyc.org/about/jobs) as an organization for which to find a career. I love everything they stand for. I would love to write for them in their journal, Young Children. Currently there are jobs available. Here is one I thought would be a good starting point for a newcomer like me:

Program Coordinator

NAEYC is seeking a Program Coordinator to support the work of our early childhood program Accreditation System.  The Program Coordinator is a customer service professional in the NAEYC Academy who supports the work of the accreditation system.  Duties include providing technical assistance on the accreditation process, policies and procedures to accreditation consumers, including program staff and the public.  The Coordinator is also responsible for working with NAEYC consumers throughout all aspects of the accreditation process and providing administrative assistance to the Accreditation team.    

Knowledge of NAEYC’s early childhood program accreditation system, 1-2 years clerical/administrative experience, and experience handling a high volume calls are required.  Call center experience and an Associates degree preferred.  Experience in the field of early childhood education and a sound understanding of its practices is plus.  Excellent oral and written communication, MS Office and database skills are also required.  Must be able to meet deadlines, work independently and work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.  Salary mid-$ 30’s with good benefits.  To apply:   Send cover letter and resume to HR-PC, NAEYC, 1313 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 or email hr@naeyc.org or fax (202)-328-1846

2. Then I looked into the US Department of Education (https://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/Search/GetResults?OrganizationID=ED&ApplicantEligibility=all). I believe there needs to be a policy over-haul with regards to how education is seen and funded. So many schools that are doing things right get over-looked by schools that are doing things wrong. I would love to work with upcoming politicians to and policy makers to try and think outside the box and determine how best to handle funding.

Currently, the only positions open there are for research scientists. I do not qualify based on my education  in the required subject matter.

Job Title:Associate Education Research Scientist/Analyst, AD-1730-00

Department:Department Of Education

Agency:Institute of Education Sciences

Job Announcement Number:IES-2013-0022

SALARY RANGE:	$60,000.00 to $95,000.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:	Wednesday, August 28, 2013 to Tuesday, December 31, 2013
SERIES & GRADE:	AD-1730-00
POSITION INFORMATION:	Full time - Temporary for 3 years with possible 3 year extension
DUTY LOCATIONS:	FEW vacancies - District Of Columbia County, DC, USView Map
WHO MAY APPLY:	This announcement is open to all U.S. citizens. One or more position(s) may be filled.

JOB SUMMARY:

Join our Team! The U.S. Department of Education (ED)is looking for the best and brightest to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation.

3. Then I was interested in the National Institution for Early Education Research (http://nieer.org/about/jobs). I find research to be fascinating. I love thinking about problems and how to best solve them through looking at data and findings and doing the research. Currently the only job opening there is for data collector. 

Job Opportunities

Data Collectors

 

The National Institute for Early Education Research is seeking Data Collectors year-round. 

 

Applicants should be graduate students, have a BA or be upperclassman undergraduate students with a focus on child development, early childhood, psychology or related field. Knowledgeable about child development and developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching practices (e.g. Teacher) preferred. Experience in classroom settings and/or working with children highly preferred. Must be available to work 2-3x per week during data collection period; days are flexible and must be available to attend intensive trainings that vary between 2 days and a full week. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate an excellent academic record (GPA should be 3.0 or better).

 

Founded in 2002, the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) is affiliated with the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, a Research I institution.  NIEER supports early childhood policy development by providing independent research and analysis. The Institute’s work includes large-scale, multi-state evaluations of the effectiveness of PreK programs, randomized trials of alternative programs and policies, research syntheses, and national and international evaluations of early childhood programs. 

 

Pay is competitive. To apply please send a letter of interest, curriculum vita, transcript (if currently a student), and the names of two references. Submit these to Carol Contreras, at ccontreras@nieer.org. Please include the phrase “Data Collector” in your subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For questions, contact Milagros Nores, at mnores@nieer.org..

 

Rutgers University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to diversity. Women, minorities, and members of under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. 

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The skills and abilities that I would need for the second jobs would be a higher degree with a focus on the research. I would also need experience in doing research. 

As for writing for the NAEYC publication, I qualify to do that now. I just need to find something to write about.

EDUC 6990: Week 2: Local and State Organizations

• At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, any job opportunities, skills and experience for said jobs, and explain why you chose them.

The three organizations I chose were:

1.  CSUF: My alma mater: http://hr.fullerton.edu/Jobs/

The reason why I chose my alma mater was because i always told myself that I would go back and teach there someday. My time spent there during undergrad was memorable and meaningful. I would love to give back and work as a faculty in the Child Development department. For example, I would need a Master's Degree and experience teaching adults to qualify for an adjunct instructor in the CDE program. 

2.  Pacific Oaks College: http://www.pacificoaks.edu/Home

I chose Pacific Oaks because I remember touring the college and child development center years ago when I was getting my AA degree  I always thought having a job there would be out of my reach but now I see it as something very attainable--within my grasp. The most recent job openings they show are for Master Teachers and Faculty. Currently, I do not qualify to be a professor as they need a PhD. I do qualify to be a Master Teacher in the preschool classroom.

3.  OCDE—Orange County Department of Education: http://www.ocde.us/Pages/default.aspx

I chose OCDE because they were the organization that helped me afford child care for my son when I was working and going to school. They provided scholarships for me and they are responsible for all of the Orange County schools. They have several departments in which I could work and affect change. The qualifications for the openings they have are what I have now. For example, the position of Project Liason for ECE department only requires a Master's or equivalent and experience teaching adults.

EDUC 6990 Week 1 :: Reactivating My Blog

Hello and welcome to my blog for EDUC 6990. I look forward to reading your blogs as well and reading your comments. Congratulations on making it this far and go hard and strong til the end!

EDUC 6165 :: Week 8 :: Reflection

This is the end of the course and that means it's time to reflect on what I have learned this semester. This course really came at a perfect time for me. I am gaining more responsibility at my second job (teaching adults ECE) and I am also experiencing some difficulty communicating with my step-father due to a money issue. Both of these situations require me to use all of the communication and collaboration skills I studied. I did get good advice from my online classmates regarding the situation with my step-father and reading your blogs and discussion comments helped a lot too. I would like to extend myself to you as well so that we can continue to help each other even after the courses are over.

Feel free to contact me via email: teacher.kim2011@gmail.com

I would love to stay in touch. Good luck with your future endeavors! You will shine!
Kim Martin

EDUC 6165 :: Week 6 :: Groups

Consider the adjourning phase for several of the groups in which you have been involved. Think about which aspects of the groups made for the hardest good-bye. 
--Are high-performing groups hardest to leave? 
I have been part of high-performing groups and yes, they are hard to leave. Why? Probably because of the positive experience I had within the group. I often have the urge to want to start a new project just so I can experience the same feelings of success and pride of a job well done.


--What sorts of closing rituals have you experienced or wish you had experienced? 
My favorite closing ritual before the group adjourns is the celebratory dinner! I teach night classes and at the end of each semester, on the last day of class, we all bring in food and celebrate our efforts. It's a fun time for us to look back on all we learned and have fun one last time as a group.

--How do you imagine that you will adjourn from the group of colleagues you have formed while working on your master's degree in this program? Unfortunately I have not been able to meet any of my colleagues in person like I would like, because they all live in different states and some in different countries!. I think thought that I would like to stay in touch with many of them with whom I have developed a bond. Perhaps we can video chat or even make plans to travel to visit one another if it gets to be a close relationship.

--Why is adjourning an essential stage of teamwork? Adjournment is the closure a group has that illustrates a job is complete and new work is ready to begin.