Professional Hopes and Goals

http://kidgreen-donna.blogspot.com

"I do not want children & families destroyed because of who they are" (Lousie Derman-Sparks, 2011)

The quote above is the hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds. The photo below shows something I have had hanging in my classroom from the very first day I started teaching in 1993. I have tried to live and teach by the meaning behind those words for all these years. 

In addition, I would like to add as my own last line - "and I showed interest and respect for all children and their families, regardless of any differences they may have had from my own".

Goal for early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice-

ECE Curriculum would expand to include lessons, materials and training related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice. Early childhood educators and staff would received more advanced training related to these issues. In addition, more resources would become available to families.

Thank-you to our instructor and my colleagues for becoming a part of my higher learning "culture". It was a pleasure taking part in the discussions with you all and also seeing and hearing how we have all grown more aware of issues related to diversity, equity and social justice. May you all walk away from this class- a better person and human to our society and for our children. 

Good-luck with the rest of your classes. I challenge each of you to become an advocate for diversity, social justice and most importantly for our children.

Donna