The NAEYC offers guidelines for appropriate ethical behavior that all professionals dealing with young children need to follow. The DEC guides the principles of conduct and research relating to the professional practice with young children with disabilities, their families, and with interdisciplinary colleagues. As we reflect on what we have learned I have taken time to introspect what I have been doing in my classroom over the years and have selected three ideals that resonate with me.
1) We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services. (DEC)
I find this code especially meaningful because I know I wouldn't have survived my first two years teaching without my mentor, Ms. Wanda Gonzalez. She was instrumental in modeling what was appropriate in evidence based work and modeling how to be an exceptional teacher in a very difficult urban community. Mentoring is necessary for new teachers because statistics state that new teachers leave the education field within 5 years. Sometimes we lose our best and brightest because they didn't have necessary support.
2) Respect diversity in children, family, and colleagues. (NAEYC)
This is so vital to our diverse immigrant communities. I remember when I worked in Lewiston,Maine and the community was told that there would be an influx of refugees. The community would have to bear the burden of this population. This was fine until they were told that they were African-Muslims. Protests took place in our area because no one wanted them there. They were not welcome. But as a school community we had to come together and devise a plan to deal with the number of students, the present budget, and how would we provide services to them to learn English and to acclimate themselves. We worked diligently to respect this diverse community.
3) Respect that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect.
This reminded me of Mahaley and everything we learned about in week 3. We learned about family systems theory and we even created our childhood webs. We need to respect the relationships our students have with others and understand these relationships have a direct correlation to their success.
Mentoring is a HUGE part of beginning teaching! I too don't think I could have survived my first few years without the aide of my mentor. In fact I still go to her often for help. We had parent teacher conferences this week and I knew I'd have a tough one Thursday evening. So I went to my mentor and asked for some advice. She helped calm my fears and gave me some wise tips! I love listening to her wisdom. As a professional educator of over 20 years I know there isn't much she has not seen or heard about. Their experience is priceless and can really help be a calming voice in what can often be a very overwhelming first few years of teaching.
ReplyDeleteOOOooohhhh BRAVA! I love the way you brought it backed to the lessons we learned over this time. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteI agree that a mentor is imperative to our success as teachers over the first few years. My first year in early childhood, I did not have that kind of support. I am fortunate to have a new boss this year that challenges me and supports me while I strive to become the best possible teacher. I need to say thank you to her!
ReplyDeleteMentoring is huge in any profession. I am so glad to have all of you as contacts and hopefully will find you mentoring me now and in the future as I join the field that you are now a seasoned veteran of. It is a bit intimidating thinking of coming into the field as my second profession when you haveall been in so long. Yet at the same time it is a relief to know I will have your expertise and advice to rely on!
ReplyDeleteJohan, I have very much enjoyed reading your blog, and sharing information with you on the discussion board. Thanks!
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