Being unemployed has given me time to enjoy my daughter in a way most working parents don't often encounter. It has felt like an extension of maternity leave but rather than a crying infant whom I barely know, I have this energetic toddler who clings to my leg and now freely leans in to give me sloppy kisses (or melts her entire being on the floor when offering a tantrum). This time has been frustrating, exhausting, and yet totally amazing.
I've been interviewing for jobs and enjoying the chance to reflect deeply on what I'd like to do next. I wasn't sure where my train was headed next and I even considered going back into the classroom as an infant teacher as the "easy" solution. Nothing about being an infant teacher is easy. And I'm not sure I could work in an environment where I don't have the authority to be an agent of change.
I like being a leader. I love working with teachers to help them grow as professionals. There's nothing I like more than a challenge.
I have been doing some consulting with an agency to help teachers earn their CDA and I overheard one yesterday say she wants to be a "real teacher." I put down my pen and looked at her and said, "If you were my daughter's teacher and I heard you say that, I would be devastated. You are a teacher and your students love you. The work you're doing now in Early Head Start is so valuable. I hope you know that." I think I stunned her.
But it's true.
Why don't we give more love to our early childhood professionals? I've pondered on this before and I still don't have an answer. I do think that we've done a better job appreciating/acknowledging/compensating preschool teachers, however our birth to three staff are often left in the dark.
I interviewed for a position at a for-profit child care center and though I was hesitant at first (all of my experience has been non-profit), I realize that the trials are still very similar. Our teachers need to feel loved and safe so they can offer that same warm feeling to their students in a parallel process. And that is something I'm good at. For all of my faults, I am an excellent cheerleader and team motivator and I hope this is something that I find in a new position, wherever that may be.
xo
Mama Porch
I've been interviewing for jobs and enjoying the chance to reflect deeply on what I'd like to do next. I wasn't sure where my train was headed next and I even considered going back into the classroom as an infant teacher as the "easy" solution. Nothing about being an infant teacher is easy. And I'm not sure I could work in an environment where I don't have the authority to be an agent of change.
I like being a leader. I love working with teachers to help them grow as professionals. There's nothing I like more than a challenge.
I have been doing some consulting with an agency to help teachers earn their CDA and I overheard one yesterday say she wants to be a "real teacher." I put down my pen and looked at her and said, "If you were my daughter's teacher and I heard you say that, I would be devastated. You are a teacher and your students love you. The work you're doing now in Early Head Start is so valuable. I hope you know that." I think I stunned her.
But it's true.
Why don't we give more love to our early childhood professionals? I've pondered on this before and I still don't have an answer. I do think that we've done a better job appreciating/acknowledging/compensating preschool teachers, however our birth to three staff are often left in the dark.
I interviewed for a position at a for-profit child care center and though I was hesitant at first (all of my experience has been non-profit), I realize that the trials are still very similar. Our teachers need to feel loved and safe so they can offer that same warm feeling to their students in a parallel process. And that is something I'm good at. For all of my faults, I am an excellent cheerleader and team motivator and I hope this is something that I find in a new position, wherever that may be.
xo
Mama Porch
Comments
Post a Comment