I have been privileged to work 13 years within the field of education, with each year being more exciting than the last. Each year I am not only able to develop and implement curriculum based on workforce need, transfer equivalency, and family-community need, I am also able to create collaborative partnerships that aid in all three areas, which allows me to grow personally and professionally. This privilege has afforded me the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the following areas:
-
Working with children, families, and early childhood practitioners, and programs. I have been privileged to expand my career into working in a multitude of diverse communities, school districts, and childcare sites. Each of these programs have been inclusive programs that serve those that are culturally and linguistically diverse as well as economically challenged.
-
Leading and growing national and state organizations. As the current president of the National Association of Community College Teacher Preparation Programs, I advocate for sound policies that focus primarily on teacher preparation programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. I have also had the special privilege of sitting on multiple state early childhood/education committees that are primarily tasked with creating a common ground between community advocates, workforce leaders, and universities. This common ground was created to continue moving education forward in ensuring that anyone who is seeking an education in the field would have access to a quality education and professional development opportunities after graduation.
-
Operating across professions and organizational boundaries by bringing together practitioners from various organizations to work together to achieve important goals; encourage program development; achieve cooperation and program development among education programs. I am continuously supporting the early childhood workforce by monitoring changes in state rules and regulations and using that information to support future teachers and childcare providers by designing and implementing curriculum that is innovative and current.
-
Serving NAEYC through membership and contributing to the NAEYC position statements and accreditation processes.
It is through these opportunities that I have a strong base in early childhood education in both the workforce and higher education thus informing/guiding my leadership roles. My goal as a department chair and advocate in the field is always to support and invest in the early childhood workforce by ensuring that policies that effect the workforce in any dimension demonstrate quality and diversity…a true reflection of the children and families we serve. This is what I believe my role and strengths would be within NAEYC.