Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

The first national Community of Practice (CoP) that I researched was the National Education Association (NEA), located at http://www.nea.org/.  The NEA supports teachers by providing information and advocating for “a great public school for every student” (NEA, 2013, para. 2).   Further, the NEA publishes a quarterly magazine that focuses on issues in education as well as an update for members in an online newsletter, located at http://neatoday.org/ .  The organization also publishes information for pre-service teachers and those involved in higher education.  I also chose the NEA because they are the creator of Read across America Day to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and promote literacy for all children (NEA, 2013). The President of this organization is Dennis Van Roekel. 

As I searched for jobs within the NEA, I found several available positions.  One position was for a lobbyist, which required a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and expected the applicant to have experience with professional lobbying.  As I searched for jobs that were related to a degree in education, I discovered a posting for Senior Program/Policy Analyst/Specialist.  This person would work with minorities to have a voice in education.  The requirements include having a “Master’s Degree in Social Science, Education, Communication or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be acquired” (NEA, 2013, para. 3).  Other requirements include familiarity with laws, policies, and strong communication skills.  All job openings can be found at https://nea.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.allpositions&company_id=15801&version=1

Next, I visited the National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA), located at http://www.pta.org/index.cfm.   The president is Otha Thorton. Because of my passion for family involvement, I was drawn to this organization for the available resources that connect families and teachers.  The National PTA is committed to literacy development as well, stating, “Early intervention and activities (talking and singing to babies; reading to toddlers and young children) are important, and the role of families in literacy does not end when their child enters school” (National PTA, n.d., para.1).  The National PTA also publishes guides for family involvement and seeks to empower families and teachers by providing support to both.

Within the National PTA were several job opportunities, viewable at http://www.pta.org/about/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1500&navItemNumber=550.  One of the positions was for an Educational Policy Analyst. The job requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in education or related fields, with experience working in Washington, D.C, in regards to education policies.  Other requirements are knowledge of legislative procedures and strong collaborative skills (National PTA, n.d.).

The final organization that appealed to me was Child Care Aware of America, located at http://www.naccrra.org/  The executive director is Dr. Lynette M. Fraga.  The mission of Child Care Aware is “To promote national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning of all children and to provide vision, leadership and support to community Child Care Resource and Referral” (Child Care Aware, n.d., para. 2).  Resources are available for families, staff, and others to help with school readiness.

Two jobs were posted for the agency, viewable at http://www.naccrra.org/career-center/job-listing.  One of the jobs was for a Military Child Care Liaison.  This job requires a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Public Administration.  Other requirements are knowledge of the Department of Defense schools, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to collaborate (Child Care Aware, n.d.).

In researching national organizations, I see that several job opportunities exist.  Although I have no desire to relocate at this time, it was interesting to see the many career choices available. An additional perk to researching at a national level was to discover more support available to educators. 

References

Child Care Aware of America. (n.d.).  Job listing.  Retrieved July 26, 2013 from http://www.naccrra.org/career-center/job-listing/military-child-care-liaison

Child Care Aware of America.  (n.d.).  Our vision and mission.  Retrieved July 26, 2013 from http://www.naccrra.org/about-us/our-vision-and-mission

National Education Association.  (2013).  NEA’s mission, vision, and values.  Retrieved July 25, 2013 from http://www.nea.org/home/19583.htm

National Education Association. (2013).  NEA’s Read Across America.  Retrieved July 25, 2013 from http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm

National Parent Teacher Association. (n.d.). Education Policy Analyst.  (n.d.). Retreived July 26, 2013 from http://www.pta.org/about/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3680

National Parent Teacher Association. (n.d.).  Literacy.  Retrieved July 25, 2013 from http://www.pta.org/programs/FamilyEngagement.cfm?navItemNumber=508

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State

In looking at organizations in the state of Tennessee that would serve as a Community of Practice (CoP), I discovered one called Stand for Children Tennessee located at http://stand.org/tennessee.  This is an advocacy group that states, “Our mission is to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, graduate from high school prepared for, and with access to, a college education” (Stand TN, n.d., para. 2).  I think the expectation of this group is amazing.  There are links to Pre-Kindergarten education and family involvement.  I signed up for the newsletter and there is a blog as well.  I feel that standing up for the children of TN is important!

A position was available for a Director of Operations in Memphis, TN.  The job qualifications were interesting.  Passion for children and youth’s success in school was a qualification for this position, as well as having strong communication and team building skills.  Since the job was located in Memphis a requirement was for interested candidates to have a knowledge of Memphis schools.  Since I do not want to relocate to Memphis, this job is not one for which I would apply.

The next organization that I explored was the Tennessee Education Association (TEA).  This organization is an advocate for teachers and families.  Although I am not a member of this organization, I have friends who are.  Professional support is given for teachers in many situations.  The website is http://www.teateachers.org./. One of the things I noticed was help in navigating the newly implemented Common Core Standards.  This organization gives a voice for teachers in many political venues. 

A few job opportunities existed.  One was for a legal representative and required a Juris Doctorate degree.  The other job was for a Field Service Coordinator and required a strong commitment to TEA (membership required).  The job did seem as if you could be creative, as you would try to recruit new members and retain older members. 

The final CoP that appeals to me is the Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC).  I have been a member of this CoP before and it is worthwhile as it provides an annual training event and networking for those in Early Childhood Education.  There is also a local affiliate that provides training at times.  This CoP enhances my understanding of current trends and issues.  The website is located at http://www.taeyc.org/

TAEYC does not have any job openings at this time. 

Reference

Stand for Children Tennessee. (n.d.). About.  Retrieved July 13, 2013 from http://stand.org/tennessee/about