When I saw this assignment I originally was very nervous about finding someone I could discuss trends and issues in education outside the United States. Obviously, I was not thinking very well at the moment because I actually have a college friend and high school friend who both currently teach outside the United States. My high school friend Amy, currently teaches English in the Czech Republic under the Teacher Overseas program. Stephanie went through the Teacher Education program with me in college. She has since journeyed to teach Kindergarten for the International Christian Schools in Paramaribo, Suriname.
As a new teacher myself I was hesitate to ask them for help because I know how busy a teacher's life is in a familiar country. I can only imagine how busy it may be when you are also adjusting to a new life in another country. It is in this assignment I have seen how helpful Facebook really can be! I was able to send a Facebook message to them at that very moment, and luckily they were frequent Facebook users because I instantly got a response. I am so excited to have both of these former colleagues on board for this assignment and they sound pretty excited too!
In Expanding my Resources I chose to begin viewing the newsletter and websites for Harlem's Children's Zone and Zero to Three. As I clicked on each of the links the Harlem website grabbed my attention because it appeared to have the same mission as my school system. They strive to help children beat the odds and end the cycle of poverty. In my school system we have an initiative called Cradle to Career. When viewing this site I found they have a very similar initiative called Cradle to College to Community. I look forward to learning more about this organization. I also chose to view Zero to Three because many of the resources I have viewed in previous classes have been published by this organization. These resources have been very helpful to me as a student and teacher. I hope to continue to learn more from this resource.
Interesting Facts from the Harlen Children's Zone
In the results section I found that of the 190 four year olds that entered the program 16.5% of the students were considered delayed or very delayed in school readiness. By the end of the school year, no students were considered delayed and the advanced classification went from 21% to 46%.
This organization provides programs for all children as they progress from infants/toddlers to college/employment.
Such a powerful reminder of the impact passionate professionals can have.
Hey Jo!
ReplyDeleteOnce again you and I are enrolled in the same course. I think it is wonderful that you have a former classmate who teaches oversees that you can communicate and share information with. I also have a friend that owns three child development centers. Two of the centers are located in Georgia and the third one is located in London. I will use his center in London as an additional resource. This week I used the website of The Alliance for the Education of Young Children. Through the website I located two programs that I will be corresponding with over the next several weeks. I found a program in Africa and one in Europe. So I am really excited!!!
Alice Jones
Wow!! It is amazing how your friends will be able to help you! If you happen to know anyone else that could help a student in need would you be willing to give them my name I am struggling finding a contact. Your heart is truly in the right place and it is evident that you truly enjoy you career! Doesn't loving you job make all the difference? I am excited to get to know you and learn from you in the coming weeks.
ReplyDeleteJo: You are so fortunate to have someone to work with. I am still hunting for a professional. This week has been so tedious for me. I sent out fifteen emails to early childhood professionals and all of them were returned. I had to complete the alternative assignment. I am thinking of searching early childhood blogs outside of the United States to see if I can contact a professional that way. I just hope I have some success. Thank you for sharing your post.
ReplyDeleteJo,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that we have this course together. I too chose the Harlem Children's Zone because it is similiar to my county's mission statement. I have learned that our schools/counties are a lot alike. Looking forward to working with you.
Jo You are amazing, I have a bunch of friends from England that I didn't even think about asking for help. you have really helped me with this assignment. Thanks a bunch Julie
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I too was nervous about making contact with foreign professionals but I do think that it is very good to get out of your comfort zone and network internationally. I think that you were very smart to turn to your friend that now teaches overseas because she would definitely know some contacts and help with this assignment. Its always great to think about the people you know and how they can help you out when you are faced with something that seems challenging and maybe even a little scary ;)
ReplyDelete