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. 

----------------------------------

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.