Obviously children and my love for children are the drive and reason why I am passionate about early childhood. However, there are two other things that I consider my fuel for early childhood. The first one is when I see a teacher "get it." It is that moment they realize what they are doing and the impact they are having on the children. It could be as simple as teaching a child a calm down technique or helping a child master a new concept. The other is when I hear remarks against early childhood. I see it as needing to step up my advocacy and educating the world on early childhood. I am not discouraged by it, but fueled by it. I am amazed by the work that has been done thus far, but know that we still have a long road ahead to advocate for children and educate the public (parents, legislatures, and other teachers) on the importance and impact of early childhood.
By the way, I just attended the NCaeyc Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. I have left feeling empowered and the fuel from it has my car going 100 miles an hour. It was an incredible experience and I'm on a high from it. I also had the distinct honor of hearing Dr. Becky Bailey speak several times and personally meet her. If you have not heard of her and Conscious Discipline, I encourage you to look into it, especially if you are a teacher and/or parent. I am very excited to take what I have learned from her into the classrooms that I work with.
I was at the conference myself,and left feeling a new found passion for what I do and with so many ideas to take back to my team. Becky Bailey was awesome just as I knew she would be and was the main attraction that lead me to go this year because I haven't went to the conference in a number of years. I found the Director related sessions that I took great.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish I had known you were going to be there, we could have met up. Dr. Becky was outstanding! I am so happy to hear that you had a great time and enjoyed the Director related sessions. I will pass that information along to the powers that be. :)
DeleteI agree there is something amazing to be said of when a teacher "Gets it" I find myself in that position often being that I just started a new position with my company. I never get tired of the feeling I feel when a child, not able to communicate previously, communicates with me. Is the best of all feelings.
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