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