Posts
There are many organizations
out there that exist to better the lives of people around the world. Although
some do not have the sole mission to focus on the early childhood field, their
impact on economy, science, culture, or other disciplines ultimately affect the
world in which children are raised.
The Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a community of practice that
appealed to me because of my passion for working with low-income families. This
organization focuses on how to make an impact on economic issues across the
globe, promoting ideas that challenge past and current thinking (OECD, n.d.).
It is clear from this organization’s web page that a passion for equality, and
the highly effective communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are
necessary for whatever position one might apply for. Though I think it would be
interesting to work on a committee for this group, I know I do not have near
the experience or financial knowledge to contribute much. What I like about
their job postings, though, is they have included the applicant’s need to want to
learn more, as they strive to include a large diversity of professionals.
The United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) strives to create
social change by addressing lifelong learning, knowledge and understanding of
cultures, poverty, and peace (UNESCO, 2011). What caught my attention was
UNESCO’s goal to help member states create policies that outline and guide
teacher education to include quality instruction and continuous learning
because quality teacher preparation and quality schools are what will provide
children with quality education. At UNESCO there is a yearlong employment
opportunity in the Division for Teacher Development and Higher Education. This
job would require the a Master’s in education or a related field, experience
working in programs of education, experience in financial and administrative
roles, technology skills, and willingness to work in a multicultural workplace.
This would be an interesting position to have, as it is related to education
but in a more “behind-the-scenes” way. The position responsibilities of an
associate project officer include assisting the project manager in organizing
events and workshops, monitoring and reporting progress of programs, and some
financial and budgeting tasks.
The International Step By
Step Association (ISSA) is an organization that works to providing children
with access to early education and care programs of high quality by connecting
early childhood professionals and agencies (ISSA, n.d.). The ISSA fully believes
that all children have a right to quality community programs that are
inclusive, and works with decision-makers, professionals, community members,
and families to share this belief. I am drawn to this organization because of
their holistic view of the child. This organization values cultures, families,
developmentally appropriate practices, and the need for professionals dedicated
to life long learning. These are components that make up a valuable advocate
for young children. One job posting available is project manager for the Romani
Early Years Network (REYN). The manager would be responsible for helping the
development of and supporting a program dedicated to cultivating a group of
early childhood professionals in Roma communities. Education and skills
necessary for the job include an understanding of Romani culture, knowledge of
national early childhood education policy, and experience as a project manager
or related job.
What I notice in all of
these communities of practice is that to work with them requires knowledge of
related fields, high interpersonal and communication skills, a desire to work
in a multicultural setting, and a passion and agreement with the organizations’
missions and values. I think these are traits of successful communities of
practice, with strong leadership.
References:
International Step By Step Association. (n.d.).
Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html
Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.oecd.org/
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteYour post was very insightful. You highlighted three organizations that I did not know much about prior to reading your post. I think you made a great point that early childhood professionals should consider joining organizations that are not necessarily related to the field because their work will help to improve the world for young children.
Thank you for sharing,
Krista
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteThe community of practice that appeal to you, The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), works to improve global economy. I would say this is a worthwhile venture, especially now that the status of economy dwindles globally. I feel that whatever the outcome of this community of practice, children, families and teachers would be affected, thereby, affecting the early childhood field indirectly. Thanks for sharing.
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteI was also impressed by the work of the International Step by Step Organization. Their work on behalf young children and preserving developmentally appropriate practice must be very challenging in some parts of the world. Their efforts to incorporate cultural understanding is valuable in achieving and maintaining that goal.