Professional Hopes and Goals

People are at times prejudged based on their appearance, their race, their culture, their gender, and their linguistic difference.  Assumptions are made and used as a means to justify certain behaviors.  Working with children exposes to many diverse communities and a disservice can be done if we approach children with those assumptions.  I hope to be able to pause and set aside those prejudices and assumptions that I carry with me, intended and unintended so as to see the real person in front of me.  I want to take time to sit down with a child and get to know them, finding joy in what they have to offer.  With that said, I hope that my behavior can be a model for the teachers to follow suit. 

It is evident to me more administrator and teacher training is required in the area of diversity, equity and social justice.  I find in my own organization that there is the conception that we are in a place of non-bias teaching, however that has not been the experience at my own center.  I would like to see an honest examination of programs and teaching methods to ensure reflection of non-bias education.  In addition I would like to see more intense professional development for teachers and organizations; I think this is the key to create open, honest sharing environments where children and families can feel honored. 

It has been a wonderful experience getting to know all of you.  I have appreciated the sharing of difficult experiences so that all of us could improve as educators and gain greater understanding of diversity and hopefully begin advocacy and change for the children and families we work with.  All the best to all of you; I hope that our paths can cross in future courses.