Honestly, my intent was not to advocate for children. I believe children have a number of people advocating for them and could definitely use more however, I have been drawn to advocate for early learning teachers. Preschool teachers seem to have a bad rep. People are constantly thinking all we do is babysit all day when that is clearly not the case. With there being a rise of high quality preschools, more school are requiring that teachers have a degree, certification or license.
In this case it is essential that we acknowledge the issues on all levels when it comes to the education of our educators. You cannot properly teach children if you do understand what developmental stages they are at currently and you cannot properly guide them going forward if you do not understand what is expected of them in the next class. With this knowledge comes education. Which is why continued education is important. Even teachers who have been in the field 10 plus years needs a refresher , a reboot because as times change so does how children learn change.
Even though I am discussing advocating for teachers this is still an issue concerning the well-being of children. If I were to become a community leader I would express the importance of an early learning teacher and roles that teacher plays throughout the day to care for a child, teach a child and so on. I would express the importance of early learning and how great of impact early learning has in the life a child. I would take the time as a community leader to understand my audience.
The communities that suffer most is lower-income communities. I could express them all day long, the importance of early learning teachers and what they deserve but some would ask at the end of my spill what would it mean in cost for them for children to attend high-quality preschools. As we know hiring teachers with degrees and so on could be added on cost in tuition fees. I would begin to seek sponsors, partners, people willing to donate annually etc. Paying teachers should not be the job of the parents.
Being a leader in any forum takes thick skin and understanding that a no, isn't always a no and a set back doesn't mean you have to quick. As long as we have children in this world then we have a reason to advocate, to fight. As long as we have people that want to teach our little ones,love on them while mom and dads make a living then again we have a reason to advocate, fight. Leaders must press on.
The communities that suffer most is lower-income communities. I could express them all day long, the importance of early learning teachers and what they deserve but some would ask at the end of my spill what would it mean in cost for them for children to attend high-quality preschools. As we know hiring teachers with degrees and so on could be added on cost in tuition fees. I would begin to seek sponsors, partners, people willing to donate annually etc. Paying teachers should not be the job of the parents.
Being a leader in any forum takes thick skin and understanding that a no, isn't always a no and a set back doesn't mean you have to quick. As long as we have children in this world then we have a reason to advocate, to fight. As long as we have people that want to teach our little ones,love on them while mom and dads make a living then again we have a reason to advocate, fight. Leaders must press on.
Hi Quintina your blog is excellent in that you are advocating for teachers. You are right of the thinking that some people continue to have about pre-school teachers being nothing more than baby sitters. It's a career that not only requires an understanding of child development but also the passion and dedication to wanting to give the youngest people on this earth the best start at what is the rest of their future.
ReplyDeleteTeachers need voices to speak on their behalf as well all of which will positively benefit children. Thanks so much for bringing this up as this is very important.
Quintina,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading more about your advocacy goals and how you came about enrolling in this program. I agree that continuing education is crucial for early education teachers, and that with elevated standards for educators, there should also be an increase in salaries and benefits. We are lucky, as a field, to have people like you fighting for our professional rights and advocating for fair pay. Thanks for sharing your story!
Kate
Hi Qunitina early learning programs are very important, because they prepare children for the next grade. In addition, thank you for setting the record straight,preschool teachers are educated.
ReplyDelete