Communities of Practice on a National Level

          National communities of practice provide opportunities for those who share a passion to be able to share knowledge across the country. As Wegner (2008) stated the community does not have to work together on a daily basis, but they must interact and learn from each other. Working together to solve a problem, the combined efforts of many members across the nation can have a greater impact (Wegner, 2006).

            The field of early childhood has many communities of practice that work on a national level for the well-being children and families. As I consider roles that I might like to take on in the field outside the role of a classroom teacher or program administrator, here are three of communities of practice that interest me.

            The National Institute for Early Education and Research (2013, ¶1) whose mission is to conduct and communicate “research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children” is a national community of practice I would enjoy being a member of. I already follow their blog and check their website frequently for national news in the field of early childhood education.

            The National Institute for Early Education and Research (NIEER) is looking for research assistants on a rolling basis. Because they are affiliated with the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University in my home state of New Jersey, I have already sent my resume. I may not be the typical graduate student they are looking for, but I needed to at least try.  With my Master’s degree, I would be qualified to work as a research coordinator for NIEER and to write for their blog. I will follow their job postings.

            The second community of practice that interests me is Zero to Three (2012). Their work in the area of infant and toddler development is needed as we learn so much more about the amount of brain development that occurs at this stage. They work to support parents, educators and policymakers as more and more infants and toddlers are being care for out of the home (Zero to Three, 2012).

            Zero to Three (2012) is currently seeking technical assistance specialists to provide support services to grantees. My Master’s degree would qualify me for the positions, but I do not have the specific experience they are requesting. I have not conducted home visits or worked in Head Start programs. Unfortunately, at this point in my career the eight and 10 years of experience they are requiring may be out of my reach.

            HighScope (2013) is the third community of practice that interests me. My first preschool teaching job was at a school that used the High Scope curriculum. This is when my foundation in children directing their learning through play was forged. I still use a version of the plan-do-review sequence in my classroom today (HighScope, 2013). HighScope and the Perry Preschool Study have had a profound impact on the field of early childhood education by demonstrating the lasting effects of high quality early education (HighScope, 2013).

            For my last job, I thought I would just dream. On the HighScope (2013) website, there is a job posting for an early childhood teacher with HighScope training in Milan, Italy. It is a bilingual school looking for a native English speaking teacher. I would need to get a valid work permit and be willing to work there for two years. I would receive free Italian language classes! I will check back again in two years when my son graduates high school!

           

References

HighScope. (2013). The HighScope difference. Retrieved March 29, 2013 http://www.highscope.org/

National Institute for Early Education and Research.  (2013). About NIEER. Retrieved March 29, 2013 from http://nieer.org/about/vision

Wenger, E. (2006).Communities of practice: A brief introduction. Retrieved from http://www.ewenger.com/theory/

Zero to Three. (2012). Early experiences matter. Retrieved March 29, 2013 from http://www.zerotothree.org/

Communities of Practice

I realize that my desire to earn my Master’s Degree and gain further knowledge in my profession was in fact a search for a community of practice. I had a need to share knowledge with others and gain access to expertise (Wegner, 2002). During my studies I have gained fellow students and instructors as a community of practice. Our shared passion for excellence in the field of early childhood is was has brought us together. I am hopeful that this somewhat fragile community can remain intact as after graduation.

After taking several years off to parent my own children and moving to another part of the state I needed to establish new connections to a community of practice when I returned to the early childhood field. I joined the closest state NAEYC affiliate, Northwest New Jersey (n.d.). I chose this community of practice because I had been a NJAEYC member in the past. I recognize the excellence of the resources provided and conferences held annually.

Another community of practice I am interested in is the NJ Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (2013). In addition to providing workshops and conferences for teachers, NJACCRRA also advocates for effective policy on a state and national level. Parent Voices New Jersey, part of NJACCRRA lobbies to address child care access and affordability issues of parents across our state.

Professional Impact N J (2013) is associated with Kean University. Its mission is to coordinate systems of education for professionals working in the early childhood field. Training in all areas of early care and education are offered. They have created a registry for Childhood Professionals. You can register your credentials and become an approved instructor for workshops.

This leads me to job opportunities that interest me. I am looking to make a shift in the direction of my career. Registering with Professional Impact N J and becoming an instructor would be a dream job. I have provided workshops on a small scale before. I am even more confident now in my knowledge and ability. The desire to share with those in the field is strong. Completing my Master’s Degree and passing their online assessment is what I would need for this position. I already have the required year of experience in the field.

I am seeking director and assistant director positions now that I am nearing graduation. There is a school being built very close to my home that has advertised for an educational director.  I have applied and am waiting to hear back. This job appeals to me because it provides me an administrative role that is directly related to curriculum and staff training. And would be a five minute commute!

I am preparing for a phone interview for an assistant directors position for which I have already taken two online assessments. I was grateful for my recent class on budgeting and my high school algebra teacher when taking one of the assessments.

I will continue to seek out communities of practice as I make a career shift. I am well aware that as I take on a new role I will need a support network.   

References

NJAEYC. (n.d.) N J association of education of young child northwest affiliate. Retrieved March 14, 2013 http://njaeycnorthwest.org/

NJ Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. (2013). About our organization. Retrieve March 14, 2013 from http://www.njaccrra.org/

Professional Impact N J. (2013). Advocating growth for early childhood educators. Retreived March 14, 2013 from http://www.pinj.org/index.php?cat=home

Wenger, E. (n.d.). Cultivating communities of practice: A quick start-up guide. Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.ewenger.com/theory/start-up_guide_PDF.pdf

Sense of Accomplishment

I cannot believe there are only eight more weeks to this adventure. I am looking forward to working with all of you and helping each other reach our Master's degree goals!