It is only one week until a new school year begins. The past couple years and summers I have taught a pre-vpk class. Somedays it is really, really rough and other days I can't help but smile. After a long week (including coming home early from work yesterday feeling miserable) my fiance and I like to eat a yummy meal at home then go to our favorite bookstore, browse, then sit with a coffee and read. It's a typical Friday night for us. Non-typical night for most 21 year olds, but we aren't like that. While standing the the biography section picking out a good read I am stopped by one of my students from last school year and her mother. Seeing her be shy but still run up to give me a hug just reminds me that what I do, I love. Even when it seems that I don't want to be around kids after seeing them all week for 40 hours it's like God reminds me I have a gift. The ability to make a child smile and learn the fundamentals for the rest of their life. Many people look at preschool teachers as not real teachers, which, admittedly, I too thought before becoming one. It honestly takes someone with a special heart, and will to teach. Anyone can go to a daycare and babysit all day, or even get their Bachelor's Degree and teach out of a textbook but it takes a special person to go beyond the book, and beyond flashcards. I feel I am accomplishing that. I am so proud to work at such a prestigous school that gives me the opportunity to learn about myself as I teach 4 year olds. It's an amazing thing to have a child smile at your funny voices when reading a book, or laughing as I randomly dance in the cafeteria. It's awesome to make a crying upset child happy because you tickle them or kiss their boo-boos. What I do is rewarding. Whether others see it as a real teaching job or not is up to them. I am making a difference in the life of numerous children that some parents cannot fulfill because they have to work.
I love what I do. Many people cannot say that.
(photo credit: barnabywasson )
Your passion is inspirational, your pride is justifiable, and your courage to share is admirable. I stumbled across you blog while studying perceptions of the early childhood teacher (as compared to the “real” teachers of elementary, middle, and upper grades), and felt compelled to share some thoughts with you. Now a graduate student, I have been in the early childhood field for fifteen years. Although my undergraduate degree is in elementary education and I have had some teaching experience in elementary schools, I am passionate about the plight of early childhood and all of its many important elements that all too often go unrecognized. Research clearly reveals the importance of quality early learning experiences on subsequent academic (in addition to social/emotional) success and highlights the role of these early opportunities in reducing disparities among children entering school. While there remains a discouraging public misconception of quality preschools being only “glorified daycares”, a growing recognition among policy makers has been emerging. Optimistic about this trend, I hope for heightened awareness and respect for the impact of preschools as an investment in the future of our children and our country.
ReplyDeleteYou should not have to, quoting your blog, “say an ‘early child education specialist’ to make it sound more professional.” You ARE a TEACHER; you ARE a SPECIALIST; you ARE a PROFESSIONAL. Just as freshman teachers are responsible for preparing student to be juniors and second grade teachers ready their children for grade three, preschool teachers foster invaluable readiness for kindergarten. As a matter of fact, recognizing the connection between early learning experiences and future scaffolding potential, early childhood educators may have the most critical role of all. EVERY part of a child’s education is important. It is just high time that the earliest learning experiences are respected equally, and as such, that early facilitators are as well. The standards and guidelines may be different at every level (age/grade or range, respectively). Our methods may be innovatively and even fundamentally different, reflective of our unique individuality and that we each know best what works for our own kids. We may do it in diverse environments, with varying degrees of experience and education. But at the end of the day, we all share the same critical goal: to help students gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the next stage of their lives. We are all teachers.
Your love for the children and your dedication to the field are evident. I do hope you will consider furthering your own education when the timing is right for you, as your established commitment coupled with a degree will enhance potential (for you and your students) to limitless depths. Our field is starving for more educators that really want to go the extra distance, to go “beyond” as you said - even in the wake of criticism. We (early childhood educators) must continue to stand up for the differences we make every minute of every day we spend with these – the youngest of learners. I want to thank you for sharing your joy with all who may stumble upon it as I have. I pray your passion never dies; your love never fails; your gift keeps giving; and your courage prevails.