I write this last post in tears and thankfulness to my God who strengthened me. (1 cor. 4:13) and reminded me to just "float" taking one day at a time and doing the best that I can.  I gave this blog that name "justfloat4:13" when I began because I was so overwhelmed with the task at hand. Now here I am.

Reflecting over the last 18 months I have learned so much more than I ever thought possible.  I have learned that the scope of early childhood education goes way beyond the classroom and into the world at large.  I have learned that I am an advocate for the rights of children.  I have learned that children's rights are frequently violated and that discrimination both direct and indirect is still alive and well.  This awareness will forever change my teaching practices.  I have also gained practical knowledge that will help me to improve as an administrator.  This includes leadership and communication skills, business skills, and changing trends.  Lastly I have learned the importance of collaboration.  Collaboration is essential for high quality programs.  This collaboration is not just between center staff and administration, but with family community and my own professional community.  My desire for now and the future is that all the relationships that I will make as a professional are reciprocal.  I have learned that I am a better “me” when part of a team. 

One long-term goal that I have is to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood teachers.  I want to advocate for better wages in what I consider the world’s most important work.  I also will endeavor to do everything I can to serve, educate, respect, and collaborate with the teachers in my program.  According to the American Federation of Teachers (n.d.) the most important component of quality in early care and education is the quality and consistency of the teachers.  If teachers are paid low wages they may not have the motivation to stay in the field or further their education.  It is also very important to me that I gain more knowledge about cultural diversity and anti-bias education. 

I would like to thank all of my instructors at Walden for their insight and challenge that have stretched me and helped me reach my potential in this field.  I also want to thank my colleagues for going on this journey with me, for persisting through difficulties, for all of your encouragement.  I wish you well in all of your future endeavors!

 

References

American Federation of Teachers. (n.d.). Worthy wage day. Retrieved July 5, 2012, from http://www.aft.org/yourwork/ece/wwdtoolkit/index.cfm