Saturday, February 22, 2014

Time Well Spent

Three deeply felt learning experiences from this program:

The first profound learning came through reflection. The more I learned who I was through my experience, I could see others perspectives more clearly. Widening the scope is where knowledge is gathered. Microagression was something I was not aware of, yet has such a subtle way of carving a person apart. My awareness has been heightened and my defense against microagression has become a priority.   

The second deep learning is the feeling of connection. I have always felt that with nature, but I feel we have such a strong network between colleagues with so many ways to manifest our passion for young children. Collaboration is the key to action, the statement by Sonia Johnson hits the nail on the head. "We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history." (Laureate, 2011). 

The third, although my biggest struggle was learning about how to research credible sources. Because I will be using current research as a part of my professional career, to know what I am looking at and where and how it is based is so important. 

Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Meeting the Challenge: Merging Passion, Vision and Practice: Practical application in the early childhood field. Baltimore, MD

There has been so many things I have learned with great importance, that I would need another 5 pages to explain. I guess the core is we are in this together, and I gain such inspiration from every experience and person I meet. Below is a bit of my journey through this program through pictures from my trip to Peru last summer.

My journey began with the support of my husband and grown children, my coworkers and friends, I was ready to change the world. 






















As I began I said, "wait hold the phone" literally, let me get my phone to take a picture, I'm climbing that!?!




Now that I have crested the summit I see there are many more journeys ahead of me. My challenge is now choosing the first of many, and I intend to work hard and enjoy the view of making a difference for young children and families.


My long term goal is to teach at the community college level, while at the same time implementing natural play spaces as an intricate part of every early childhood program. 

Farewell and Thank You for your input, thoughts, support and lovely perspectives!

Dr. Teri, here is my happy dance! Thank you for your guidance and moving me through my goal of completing my Masters! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_zvipMbSZU


To my colleagues, with whom we have spent many months (some over a year together) of studying, collaborating, and sometimes panicking together. Your presences has been the difference in this program. When I first began I felt this was going to be a solo climb, I quickly realized I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks to all of you, and to you  Mimi, you have been my inspiration! Lets all have tea at 11,000 feet before our next journey, Cheers! 
I would love to hear from any of you and learn about the impact you are making or your next journey in general!! You all have been so inspirational, thank you again.  Here is may home email christinaper@comcast.net

Friday, February 14, 2014

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally


#1 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
This position is appeals to me because Education For All (EFA) is a movement to provide all children a basic education. To be a part of a team like this would be amazing and an opportunity for growth. I am not sure I would be fully qualified as far as work experience, and I do not have a second language, but I could learn quickly.
Job opportunity: Director, Education For All (EFA) and Global Agenda Coordination Team.
Education
  • Other degrees or short to medium-term training in disciplines relevant to the post would be an advantage.
Work Experience
  • Experience in donor relations.
  • Experience within national education authorities.
  • A proven record of senior management and professional experience at the international and intergovernmental levels.
Skills/Competencies
  • Strong global professional network.
  • Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
  • Ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners, as well as demonstrated partnership development and fundraising experience.
Languages
  • A working knowledge of another official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) would be an asset.

#2 Save The Children
Save The Children organization works in 120 countries. They advocate for the treatment of children through programs that support health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights. This specific position will make key contributions in global advocacy, along with the breakthrough of children in humanitarian crises have access to quality education (Save The Children, 2014).

Job opportunity: Advocacy Advisor-Humanitarian and Education 

Qualifications:
Education to degree level – an academic background in a directly relevant field s desirable.
·      Advocate for change with key AU policy makers and decision makers on humanitarian, peace and security and education agendas (and on the interface between these issues)
·      Build and maintain advocacy networks with influential allies, within the AU and among civil society, recognizing that we cannot achieve the change we want by ourselves
·      Deliver ambitious plans to engage and influence the AU on humanitarian and education agendas, in line with agreed organizational objectives, and provide strategic insight to help shape wider Save the Children advocacy efforts in these areas
·      Build profile and credibility for Save the Children, by being a convincing spokesperson for the organization, a source of knowledge and analysis, and through personal commitment to our values and mission
·      Be a strong member of the Addis team, actively participating in building a strong global advocacy office that is networked within the wider organization and has strong links to Africa Country Offices, the other advocacy offices and members

Experiences and skills:
·      Proven record of advocacy success and ability to develop and implement strategy, preferably at the regional level in Africa.
·      A background in influencing African national governments and engaging civil society partners in the region
·      Experience of creating networks of influence, and an ability to manage diverse professional relationships, thereby securing significant new opportunities for the organization
·      Proven ability to speak and communicate effectively, and to tailor messages to different audiences
Experience of successfully operating in an international environment with people from


#3 FHI 360
This part time job position appeals to me because the applicant ensures staff is equipped with the information to be fully effective in the organizations vision, mission and goals. Which is FHI 360 sees the world in a way where all communities have the chance to reach their highest potential, improving lives in a lasting way.

Job opportunity: Internal Communications Specialist ll 
Job Responsibilities:

  • Design strategies that contribute to measurable increases in staff knowledge of and engagement in organizational goals and activities, with a focus on Human Resources-related content.
  • Implement internal communications strategies to ensure that staff have a comprehensive understanding of FHI 360’s goals and work.
  • Design and develop internal communications materials that are responsive to the needs of the FHI 360’s domestic and international staff.
  • Write, edit and post content to a variety of internal communications vehicles, including but not limited to internal newsletters, the employee intranet, and other print and electronic venues.
  • Design and plan a variety of internal events and meetings to ensure successful communication of organizational messages and opportunities for dialogue.
  • Provide other communications-related duties as required.
Qualifications:
·      Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years experience writing, edition and publications.
·      Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
·      Ability to work independently and manage sensitive work.
·      Strong organization skills, with the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects to meet short deadline.

·      Sensitive to cultural differences and the political ethical issues.