Strengthening Bonds of Collaboration

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for my professional and personal development are:

1) I have realized that inequities in the early childhood field are universal regardless where in the world you are. The inequities are varied but they are still present. Here in the U.S. an inequity that is currently being addressed is the fact that Early Childhood Educators are under paid and under educated. French teachers are paid accordingly and receive the education needed to be highly qualified. New Zealand only have 50% of their teachers that are fully trained and registered. So it appears that France has had huge gains in the early childhood field, where other countries are lacking, but on the flip side they are giving the rest of the world a working model of what teacher education should look like.

2) Personally I have learned that professional connections are invaluable when it comes to developing professionally. The insights I have gained from speaking to other early childhood professionals locally and internationally cannot be found in any text books. I have learned that many opportunities exist for Professional learning in other countries as well as our own. By talking to other professionals I have learned that I can grow professionally by listening and learning from my colleagues, reading books, seminars, overseas speakers, center visits, downloading articles to read and sharing at staff meetings, annual self-reviews and unpacking aspects of my practice, both individually and as a team of teachers.

3) I am a lifelong learner. It is important to keep abreast of trends, inequities, and research that helps to advance the way early childhood professionals are viewed in the professional community.

A goal that I am setting for myself as it pertains to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations is to personally visit learning communities in New Zealand and France. I think discussing differences and similarities in issues and trends is different than viewing them first hand. I think it would be invaluable for me to make international connections personally and advance my career and teaching abilities by learning from and observing other professional’s in action.