Amanda and I had a lengthy Facebook chat about our career goals earlier this week.
She and I had the same goal common in the beginning of our careers- to teach primary (elementary) school. We both ended up in early childhood- she as a nursery assistant working with infants and me as a resource and coach to early childhood professionals. She confided in me that she no longer wants to pursue a classroom position, but that she instead would like to stay in the early years profession.
Amanda shared with me the fact that she would like to go to university to earn her foundation degree (2-year degree) in Children's Services or Early Years, but that she just doesn't have the time. She has her own three-year-old son and works as many hours as possible to support him. She does believe that it will happen someday, just not now while he's young. Meanwhile, she enjoys regular trainings with the other staff members at the center and learns a lot from her partner teacher while on the job. Her favorite topic is brain research and she is very interested in pursuing special needs training.
I know just how Amanda feels! I, too, found my career in early childhood and am pursuing my professional goals as time allows, depending on the stages and needs of my own family. It is wonderful to have made a connection with someone so far away who shares the same passion, dreams, and challenges as I do. It is also great to discuss things with someone working in the field and in a setting very different from my community.
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that you were able to establish contact with another professional who shares your same passions and dreams. I did not receive a response from any of the organizations or people I emailed. Anyway, I understand how Amanda feels about wanting to go to school, but not having the time because she is working and taking care of her son. I did not start to pursue my Master's until my daugther had graduated from college! It was good to read that she attends regular trainings and is learning from her partner teacher.
I think its wonderful that Amanda is motivated to purse the passion she has for working in early childhood. I know being a mom and working isn't easy, but we can do it and I take my hat off to her. I hope that shes able to attend school soon. Do they have resources like we do here with paid day care and scholarships/financial assistance? Will her work assist in the cost of tuition? Is there schools online she can attend to earn her two year degree?
ReplyDeleteHave you discussed with her how we are getting our degree online? I am curious as to if this program would be something she would be interested in perusing. I too originally wanted to teach elementary school, but have found a passion for preschoolers and am currently a lead for an infant classroom.
ReplyDeletePretty interesting how most people "stumble" upon this field. I too, wanted to be an elementary school teacher, teaching in the 1st grade. When in college I began working in a daycare in their afterschool classroom. I enjoyed it, but got moved to the infant room. Then, my director kept moving me around and finally I ended up in the Pre-k classroom. I had no idea that this is what I wanted to do, until I worked in the room for a week. I fell in love and found where I would be for an exciting career.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading about your conversations with the international contacts you have made. Like your contact I did not start out with a desire to go into the early childhood classroom but once I did I found an enjoyment and love for teaching within the early years. As I grow and learn more within the field I do have a desire to move out of the classroom. This field has so many areas and possibilities to venture off into. It will be interesting to see where I will go in the field.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to read about your conversation. It is amazing how young children can inspire someone to change their career goals. I experienced this also. I never imagined working with young children until I starting working at a child care center as a summer job after graduating college. The kids captured my heart. Now 20 years later I have dedicated my career to young children and I wouldn't have it any other way.