Saturday, August 18, 2012

Journey's End?

 

 
I titled this blog with this question, journey's end, because I'm wondering if the completion of my Masters is the end.  I actually know it's not.  Acquiring this wealth of knowledge requires me to pass it on.
 
I learned passion is as much a part of you as breathing.  It's with you morning, noon and night. 
I learned that there is a community of practicioners ready and waiting to be asked to share my passion, because it coincides with their own.
I learned of the many Early Childhood opportunities possible, globally.  If I had known about these opportunities or if they existed when I was younger I would have taken advantage of them.  Maybe not, it might have meant missing out on marrying my wonderful husband of 29 years who encouraged me through this journey to,"get your homework done".
 
My future goals are to pursue my Doctorate, but not immediately.  I made my daughters promise to have me committed if I even mention this within the next year.  I will be 60 on June 28, 2013 and my plans are to run a marathon on or close to my birthday to celebrate that milestone.  In the African culture you are considered an Elder at 60.  I like the respect that comes with the age but I'm, by no means, OLD.
 
I just found my favorite quote and it's exactly how I feel. "I used to want the words, She tried, on my tombstone.  Now I want, She did it"~Katherine Dunham.
 
To my colleagues who have journeyed with me to this point, WE DID IT and we're not through!!!
 
Please enjoy the following song, we are all teachers and this song tells us to teach the world.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/taqLEjCVTdo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
I wish you all the best and God bless.
 
Stephanie Higgins
P.O. Box 251 Forney, Texas 75126 (20 miles east of Dallas, if you're wondering)
email: slsan4d@yahoo.com or shiggins@educationalfirststeps.org
I also have a Facebook page
 
References
           Dunham, K.,(2011).[Quote]. In J. Pine (Ed.), Book of African-American
 Quotations (pp. 53) Mineola, NY:  Dover Publications
Backer, B., Davis, B., Cook, R., & Greenway, R. (1971) I'd Like to Teach The World To Sing
 recorded  by TheRealBirdLady


Saturday, August 4, 2012

Jobs/Roles in ECE Community: Internationally

Quality is not only a focus for child care in the United States but it is important in the international arena also.  The organizations I chose are:

  • UNESCO - Education For All (EFA) who has a Global Monitoring Report that provides information on the state of education globally
The position open at this time is one for a Research Officer. The ideal candidate will have a research background of at least four years.  The candidate must be academically trained at the post-graduate level.  Have a specialization in Education, Economics, Politics or other Social Science disciplines.
The salary is $95,420.00 if you have dependents or $89,075.00 if there are no dependents.  The researcher will provide quantitative analysis on certain themes, communicate in public forums and prepare written materials requiring excellent oral and written communication skills.  The closing date for the position is September 7, 2012  the job is located in Paris, France.

  • The HighScope Foundation -   This organization conducts research, develops curriculum, trains adults working with children and publishes material related to children.
The position posted was for Preschool, Elementary School and Middle School Teachers.  The job requires a degree in Education or related field.  The candidate must speak and write English well.  The person interested in this position must be creative, energetic and up for challenges.  He/she must participate in teacher training and professional development.  These positions are in Jakarta, Indonesia.

As we grow in our careers we venture into consulting on a part-time or full-time basis.  This next international job addresses those who may have a desire to pursue that realm of employment.
  • ICF International - This organization partners with clients worldwide to provide services and implement solutions that protects and improves the quality of life.
The position posted is that of Senior Consultant in Education and Training.  The ideal candidate for this job will have a proven track record in the educational field. The position requires organizational skills as well as strong presentation skills.  This candidate will have consultant experience in research and evaluation and have worked in a research environment.  Strength in analytical writing, report writing in high level quality English required.  Proposal writing is also required as is project management experience.  The candidate needs to be detail oriented, able to work independently, and speak another European Language.  This job is in Brussels, Belgium.

 References

HighScope retrieved from http://www.highscope.org

ICF International retrieved from https://www.icfi.taleo.net/careersection/icf_prof_ext/jobdetail.ftl

UNESCO retrieved from http://unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/quality






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