A Shift In Plans

The road that has led me to where I am today has been a long and adventurous one. I have always loved taking care of children. I am the oldest sibling, so my instinct is to take care of others. Before becoming an early childhood educator, I studied occupational therapy with an interest in pediatrics. After more than two years, I decided that occupational therapy was no longer my passion. I felt lost as if I had nothing but wasted time and resources. I paid for school out of pocket, so I had no savings and no degree. I knew that I needed to find a job while I tried to figure out what to do next.

I started sifting through employment sites looking over job listings. I came across a post for Crafton Children’s Corner, where they were looking for a Lead Assistant Teacher. Other than a few courses I took during my senior year of high school, the closest experience I had to teaching was coaching competitive cheerleading and gymnastics. Unsure of whether I was equipped for the position, let alone qualified, I worked up the courage and applied. Fortunately, they called me within a few days. It felt like it was meant to be! We scheduled an interview and soon after they offered me the job, which I happily accepted.

This program is designed to educate those who work in early education about resources that are accessible to their family groups. I first felt far behind the others in each meeting. They discussed education budgets, assistance programs, and various other ways to help the community. I had no experience with this information. 

Learning In Community

I started looking up common issues in early education, meeting with my colleagues, taking more in-depth notes at each meeting, and following through with research. The greatest teaching I received from this fellowship was listening to the stories the other women had to share. Their perspective on how early education functions today was extremely eye-opening. Their stories helped me understand where I can fall into this movement, helping to improve our communities’ access to resources. 

When I became a teacher, I had no idea the level of impact that it would have on me. Teaching has become much more than a career. It has blossomed into one of my greatest loves. Being an educator goes far beyond the core learning subjects like mathematics, social studies, and language arts. What typically goes unnoticed is the extraordinary focus on teaching respect, love, and understanding. 

The daily life of a teacher is zipping coats, opening lunches, wiping noses, and the never-ending list of demands by small humans. It is also the random hugs on days you needed it slightly more than them, the unidentifiable masterpieces hanging around the room, and most importantly, witnessing the milestones they finally achieve. 

As an educator, I have a front-row seat to watch them overcome obstacles firsthand. It starts with lesson planning, providing the resources and demonstrations, and then helping them practice the skills until they master them. I became a teacher because I knew in my heart just how beneficial working with young minds can be. I have enjoyed making a difference in the lives of my students. I have come across such a variety of individuals, and watching them develop has been a treasure. My most memorable moments have often been after overcoming a challenging period, because there is always more to learn. I’ve created strong bonds with all the students that have passed through my room. Reflecting on how much they have grown is incredibly heartwarming, overshadowing the times of frustration and doubt. 

I would recommend a career in teaching to anyone who has a passion for working with young ones. Since stepping into my position, I have dedicated myself to making the greatest impact that I can. I have also found myself to be more patient, empathetic, and spontaneous since becoming a teacher. I am hoping that the work I do today will lead to a better tomorrow for those who come into this industry. 

Advocacy

When the term advocacy arises, it can create an overwhelming feeling. The first step towards making a difference is using your voice. If we choose to ignore the importance of early education, which is the foundation for developmental growth from birth to nine years old, children in our school systems will be at a disadvantage.

The benefits of supporting development through the earliest stages of life have shown to be crucial for later development. Due to the lack of awareness, resources are going unused. These resources such as access to child care centers, or even aid in funding, can be vital to families in lower economic regions. Starting the conversations around early education can help spread support to families who need it most. 

Early childhood education is a matter that requires significant recognition to thrive. Teachers as a whole, but especially in early childhood education need the support of voters and community members. When the education bill is passed every year, only a small portion is distributed to early education. Even though the benefits of working in early childhood education are not luxurious, the recognition and appreciation from the parents make all the difference. Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week are so grateful to the parents and administration staff for recognizing their hard work. Simple appreciation is a small step in the right direction for supporting educators. 

My Hope For Early Childhood Education

I hope to use my passion for this cause to ignite a passion in others. I want to support as many families and students as I can, and I hope that others feel the same way after hearing the stories that we are sharing through Trying Together. It is so important to support others within our communities. This kind of help does not require money, just a willing heart, time, and commitment. Anyone who pursues a career in early childhood education will undoubtedly be faced with hardships. However, those hardships are no opponent to the fulfillment that a teacher receives in return. The children I have been blessed to work with have changed who I am today. On days that I do not feel one hundred percent, I walk into my classroom with a room full of tiny smiles that have waited all morning to tell me their stories from the night or the weekend before. No other occupation could ever provide the love or enthusiasm that teaching in early childhood education does.