Issues discussed where Katrina works are teacher professionalism and bringing the "fun" back into the field. The organization for which she works is focusing on building teacher's confidence and ensuring them that they have a support system in place through management to help them reach their personal as well as professional goals. "Childcare professionals have become stressed, overweight, and unhealthy with high blood pressure or constant migraines due to unhealthy life styles and the nature of the business...the goal is to provide a work environment that is friendly, engaging, and supportive" (Oliver, 2015).
Opportunities that exist for professionals weekend trainings that allow teachers to get away briefly to a resort typically, (Edelweiss) and they may take their family with them to attend trainings with early childhood specialists as guest speakers presenting new trends and strategies to implement in the field.
Professional development is continuous. Each teacher is placed on an individual development plan (IDP) that lists in detail mandatory requirements that must be met yearly.
Some of Katrina's personal goals are to, "first give birth to a healthy baby that she and her husband have trying to conceive for five years" (Oliver, 2015). Secondly, she would like to become a "principal in the public school system some day" (Oliver, 2015).
Some of Katrina's professional hopes are that the staff she has encountered continue to be their best self. Her dream is to have a healthy baby boy and some challenges have been relocating to new working environments that have been, "not so friendly or welcoming" (Oliver, 2015). Katrina states that she often has to prove herself because of her youthful appearance and her authority is challenged.
I thanked Katrina for her time and honesty assisting me complete this assignment.
Reference
(K. Oliver, personal communications, June 17, 2015)
Building teachers confidence is essential in this field because of the initial perceptions of early childhood teachers. I think this is a very important step.
ReplyDeleteHello Shelita
ReplyDeleteIt is so good that you were able to make contact with an international colleague and you also gained insights through these interactions. I enjoyed reading it. Thank you
Leticia
Shelita
ReplyDeleteIt was great that were able to make and maintain contact with your international colleague! I have had no luck after the initial email. Having an administration that is supportive is so critical for teachers. They seem to have a good system implemented there.
Shelita,
ReplyDeleteI like how you and your professional contact Katrina share a common ground of bringing the "fun" back into teaching. Teaching should not only be an engaging experience, but it should also be fun. It only makes children want to learn more! Good blog!!
Adrienne Stephens
Hi Shelita!
ReplyDeleteI am always happy to see when you write about your international contacts, especially in Germany! I lived there for many years & it brings up memories! Anywho, I absolutely love that Katrina is in a program where they are putting the needs of the EC professionals in the forefront! Many people, admins and parents, forget what we have to take on daily. i have to remind them that if they think 1 child is something, try having 8 or more of the same age at the same time for almost 8 hours!!! We as caregivers have the nature of putting theses children ahead of ourselves because we have to and love to. However, it runs us down and we need that extra time to get away, rejuvenate and learning more to help the children while away is an awesome way to return fresh and ready! Send my thanks to Katrina as well for sharing her story!
I like the little weekend getaway. It allows time to spend with family while learning more about Your field. I think that trainings are always needed because there's always room for improvement and we can never know everything.
ReplyDelete