"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think"
Margaret Mead

Friday, June 27, 2014

Professional Hopes and Goals




Soon I will be working for a Head Start program in a highly diverse area and I could not be more excited to use the knowledge gained from this course, Dr. Parrish, and my colleagues. The hope that I have and what I will strive for is to make an effective impact on the lives of children and their families. I want to make a difference, a positive impact on their lives. At the end of the day I want to be rewarded with the fact that I helped someone. I gain more myself when I know that I have empowered someone else to go beyond what they expected they could do. When someone else feels proud or accomplished because I helped show them the way is an awesome feeling. The best part is this does not need to be a grand gesture. Even the small steps and accomplishments are meaningful to me. 

One of my job duties in my new position is training, mentoring, and assessing the teachers in the early childhood program. A goal that I would have for my teachers would be to take the time to continue their education about diversity, how it affects children, what roles they play in equity and social justice, and ultimate how they can be a positive role model to their children and families. I will be observing their classrooms and helping them find new ways to address diversity. I have stated in previous discussions that I feel fear is a large component to why society fails at properly addressing these issues. I will address the topic of fear with my teachers and families. I will find out what their concerns are and where they need assistance. 

This course has been especially helpful to me in this phase of my life. Out of all of my time at Walden these past 8 weeks I have had the most help from Dr. Parrish and my colleagues. When I had a question I had immediate responses. I felt as if my colleagues were genuinely concerned and willing to help me. I cannot thank you all enough for all that you have done for me this past 8 weeks. I am in awe of your support and encouragement. I can only hope that in the future I will be able to repay all that you have done for me.

3 comments:

  1. Samatha,

    Congratulations! You will be great! I would love to hear more about your experiences at your new job because this is the type of job we are in this program for.

    Good Luck!

    Liz Thomas

    ReplyDelete
  2. Samantha,
    I wanted to take a minute to congratulate you on your new position. Head Start is a wonderful program that offers help to families that truly need it. I hope these last eight weeks have been helpful in working in diverse communities. If you have any questions feel free to email me as the community I work within is diverse as well. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Samantha,
    I wish you all the best in your new position. It sounds like you will be doing the work that has been spoken about during these past 8 weeks, to address diversity in the classroom and educate teachers on striving toward equity and social justice. I only hope to attain such a position where I can use my knowledge I have gained and strive to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. You have shared such great insight, wisdom, and knowledge throughout this course and I thank you for that. I applaud you in continuing your journey in the field of early childhood education and for the task you now take on in your new position. I would love to hear about your experiences and how this course has helped you in your new work. Good luck and hope to work with you in the future.

    ReplyDelete