The first organization that appeals to me is
Washington's Department of Early Learning. The reason this community of practice
interests me is because they are working to make children's lives and education
a priority. They work in collaboration with Early Head Start, Head Start and
Race To The Top. They are the number one
resource in our state for Early Achievers, Merit and Kindergarten Readiness. The
only job at DEL available at this time is an Information Technology Specialist
5 which I have no interest in or education for. This job requires a bachelor's
degree in business technology.
The second community of practice (organization) I
have an interest in working for is Longview School District. This particular
district is working significantly harder than surrounding districts to align
preschool through 3rd grade. The principal of Broadway (a school which serves
children with varying abilities) is the leader of L.E.E.P. L.E.E.P. is working towards better education
for preschoolers as well as working towards collaboration projects of preschools
with elementary schools. There are two positions open in the fall of 2013 for a
sponsored preschool called Wallenberg. The education requirements are a
bachelors in early childhood education or related field. A degree in elementary
education would also be considered for these positions.
The third organization I would be interested in
working for is Head Start. Our local Head Start is nationally recognized. Sandy
Junker (the director) runs a tight ship! Head Start employees are hired through
Lower Columbia College where I currently work. There are no positions posted at
this time. Head Start is effected by the sequester and will have to reduce
their budget by over $100,000. Any jobs available in the fall will be posted
July 1, 2013.
I currently have the job I want. I work for Lower
Columbia College as faculty and director of Home and Family Life Early Learning
Center. I was hired in January of 2013. I was hired before my education was
complete. I am required to complete my graduate degree within one year of my
hire date in order to keep my position.
Josie Zbaeren
Josie,
ReplyDeleteWOW! Those are three great organizations to identify as CoP's! I can appreciate the first organization that works towards kindergarten readiness. As a kindergarten teacher, it is nice to see organizations that truly believe there are skills needed in order to be "ready" for kindergarten! I also really like the second organization tries to align pre-K through 3rd grade. I am blessed to work in a private Christian school where our preschool works hard to align with our elementary. In turn, the elementary also alignes to make sure our students are successful in their high school years, which are also offered on our campus. Having everything in uniform from pre-k through 12th grade is a valuable commodity! I also am blessed to have my dream job as a kindergarten teacher in a small school, where I am free to share my love for Jesus with my students! I would not trade it for any other job, even the ones with bigger paychecks! :)
Thanks for sharing!
Stacy :)
Josie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. Like you, I am currently not looking for another job because I am happy at the job that I am doing. It sounds as if the agencies that you would like to become a part of are ones that are involved in ensuring that children will develop to their fullest potential. It is nice to hear that there are organizations that are still committed to the safety and education of children. I have dual certification in elementary and early childhood education but I have always had a place in my heart for early childhood and I can see why you chose these organizations as being of interest to you.