The
Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning
One of the communities of practice in Illinois that got
my attention, because of its focus on enhancing the work with diverse
populations, is The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning (The Center:
Resources for Teaching and Learning, 2013). This organization addresses various
aspects of high-quality education, like students of all ages from
linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds; English-language learners,
including adults; young children at risk of failure because of poverty, family
issues, disabilities or other circumstances; refugee and immigrant populations
and others (The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning, 2013). As an
effective community of practice, all members from different programs work with
one another looking to produce better results.
Illinois
Resource Center
Another community of practice that I chose because of its
focus on linguistic and cultural diverse population is the Illinois Resource Center
(Illinois Resource Center, 2002), which provides assistant and professional
development to bilingual parents and professionals who work with linguistically
and culturally diverse students in Illinois. By offering courses and workshops,
the Illinois Resource Center helps statewide parents and educators to develop
effective learning environments for English language learners. While reading
about its events, I found that the Illinois Resource Center just held on May 11th,
their Eighth Annual Statewide Summit for Bilingual Parents, in which not only parents,
but educators too, got tools and resources for their children/students to
succeed academically in Pre-K through high school, and beyond in college and
careers (Illinois Resource Center, 2002).
The Illinois Association for Multilingual Multicultural
Education (Illinois Association for Multilingual Multicultural Education
[IAMME], 2013) appealed to me because of the attention they pay to the
promotion of quality education, based on the cultural and linguistic diversity
of our global society. Through seminars, conferences, and trainings, the IAMME
promotes and develops professional competence in educational services for linguistically
and culturally diverse students. The IAMME advices its members about employment
opportunities and also advocates for a linguistically and culturally diverse
school for diverse students (IAMME, 2013).
-Job opportunities, skills, and experience
Preschool Master Teacher in a
program that partnerships between the private and public sectors, in order to
create a high quality, birth-to-five program that achieves higher levels of
quality. Applicants MUST have a Master's degree in education and
at least 5 years of successful teaching as well as a minimum of three years of
supervisory experience either in Education or another field.
A few weeks ago, I already applied and sent my resume for
this position, despite the fact that I have the 3 years of supervisory
experience, I have only 4 years of teaching experience, and I do not have the
Master’s degree, yet.
Kindergarten Training Coordinator in a
nonprofit research, development, and service agency that works with education
and other communities to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve
learning for children, youth, and adults.
Qualifications:
Master’s
Degree in Early Childhood Education, or related field.
Kindergarten teaching
credential
Expertise with assessment
systems
Minimum of 3 years
kindergarten classroom teaching experience
Experience providing training
and coaching
Early childhood leadership
experience
Extensive familiarity with
state and national early childhood initiatives and research
Strong analytical skills and
attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple
tasks and priorities
Ability to work well independently
and under direction
Ability to work with state boards/departments
of education
Skill in the use of computer
and information technology
Strong command of oral and
written language
Bilingual-English/Spanish
Preferred
For this position I still need the kindergarten teaching
credential and the experience providing training and coaching.
Kindergarten - Bilingual Teacher in a
school district.
Required: Type 03
Illinois Certificate or Type 29 Transitional Bilingual
Endorsement: Bilingual Education Teacher – Spanish or
Foreign Language - Spanish
For this position I do not have the Type 03 Illinois
Certificate or Type 29 Transitional Bilingual, either the endorsement.
This assignment let me explore the resources available
throughout the Illinois state, which offer endless opportunities to address the
various challenges related to the diversity that children, families, and
professionals face every day. I also realize that obtaining the master’s degree
is only part of my professional development, and it is not enough to get the
teaching or any other position I would like to obtain. But now I am aware of
some of the next steps I need to take, like working on the certificates or
endorsements that my desired position requires me.
References
Illinois Association for Multilingual Multicultural
Education. ( 2013). Retrieved from http://iamme.org/
Illinois Resource Center. (2002). Retrieved from http://www.thecenterweb.org/irc/index.html
The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning. (2013). Retrieved
from http://www.thecenterweb.org/the-organization/
Caty,
ReplyDeleteWhat would it take for you to get your kindergarten credential? I discovered that several of the positions that I looked into recommended having an Early Childhood or Elementary Ed. Endorsement, but the last I checked, in Arizona in order to get that on my teaching certificate I would have to student teach again. And I don't know about Illinois, but AZ requires a full year of student teaching and I just can't go that long without an income!
Are the regulations similar in IL?
Caty,
ReplyDeleteHaving comprehensive organizations available statewide indicates to me that Illinois is invested in the children and teachers that educate them. In Pennsylvania, we have similar organizations that I have participated in over the years. I have found it to be helpful in many ways. As a Head Start director, being active in our state association has allowed me to develop professional relationship with other directors that would otherwise have not been possible since our state is so big.
Thank you for sharing.