I didn't see anything on the website or in the newsletter that made me consider another viewpoint. The site is more informational as is the newsletter.
I could find no information on the website or in the latest newsletter concerning economists', neuroscientists', or politicians' support of the early childhood field.
I copied the following from the Winter 2013 newsletter. It states the focus of the organization in the coming months.
"In our meeting in November in Atlanta, NAECTE members interested in participating in ad-
vocacy activities identified four areas for our work:
Revision and distribution of the Position Statement on Early Childhood Certification
for Teachers of Children 8 Years Old and Younger in Public School Settings
This emerged as our highest priority. Updating the message, identifying target audi-
ences and exploring the most effective ways to disseminate the revised statement
were among the tasks we identified for this working group.
Conduct and/or support others in research on the impact of teachers with specialized
training and licensure in ECE on children and families
This initiative focuses on the need for high quality research to support our claims that
every young child deserves a teacher with specialized training and licensure in ECE.
Proposed tasks for this working group included seeking research funding and es-
tablishing research teams.
Establish NAECTE as source of expert knowledge on Early Childhood Teacher Education
Building on members’ connections with the National Governor’s Association and the
National Association of State Representatives, proposed tasks for this working
group included initial tasks included individual meetings with members of these
organizations, presenting sessions and/or distributing materials at their meetings
and/or producing co-authored for publication in their journals. Linking with pro-
fessional organizations for educational leaders such as those served by CAYL Insti-
tute is also being considered.
Highlighting Highly Effective Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Programs
Discussion of this initiative focused on how NAECTE might call attention exemplary ECE
teacher education programs .One possible direction considered was developing
descriptions high quality early childhood teacher education practices to accompa-
ny NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation. An annual
award for an exemplary EC teacher preparation program was also considered."(NAECTE, 2013).
I agree Laurie, I did not receive any advocacy training in my undergrad studies or my grad studies until now. I am the Government Relations Chair of my Education Association and have learned over the years how much of what we do in our classrooms is driven by policy in St. Paul (in the case of Minnesota) or Washington DC. When business is so well represented at the policy level, it makes sense to add an advocacy piece to undergrad studies no matter what education license a student is pursuing. Advocacy is not for everyone but it definitely fits with early childhood as we forge a new path for small children. Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteHi Laurie. I did research on the NAECTE a couple of years ago in my BS Program and I also didn’t find any issues, recommendations, contributions, economics, etc. that supports the education of children directly. However, the NAECTE Foundation launched a new scholarship this year for doctoral students.
ReplyDeleteOne of the goals of the NAECTE Foundation is to promote and support promising scholarship related to early childhood teacher education. As a means of promoting the growth of leadership and scholarship in the field, NAECTEF will assist doctoral students in completing dissertation research. In addition to recognition as a NAECTE Doctoral Scholar, the NAECTE Foundation is offering a $1,000 award to encourage doctoral students to conduct research that has the potential to impact the early childhood teacher educator profession and to shape our future.
I do know this foundation and the NAEYC coordinate with each other in their missions, philosophies and how they are both committed to the well-being of children. Thanks for sharing your post, Laurie…
References: NAECTE: A periodic newsletter for members and friends (Winter 2012). Retrieved from http://www.naecte.org/docs/Winter%202012%20eLetter.pdf
Laurie,
ReplyDeleteDon't sell yourself short on being an advocate. When we talk to parents about their children's day and or about their behavior (negative or positive) with ideas and concepts that might help the children, we are being advocates. We are advocating to the parents and other teachers about ideas and thoughts we have in regards to the children. These ideas and concepts are ways to improve the children's overal development. Even posting this information from your newsletter is advocating to us about issues and trends. Great blog and great thoughts. Melissa
Hi Laurie. This is an excellent resource website for hundreds of educators, families and the community. I’ve always like using the NAECTE in many of my papers because it has so much information, updates, current issues and practices that are essential in our early childhood education. The NAEYC is a source that emphasizes on missions and philosophies. If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of their conferences, you will find it’s all worth it. Excellent choice, Laurie.
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