Assignment task:
In your response post, response on why you agree. In your responses, make at least one personal connection with something your peers shared in their personal or program connections. Each response should have a minimum of 150 words and be respectful of others' opinions and beliefs that differ from your own. DISCUSSION 1 (Jessica)
Part I: Who You Are
Hello! My name is Jessica and I live in Michigan with my Husband Greg, our three children and our bunny rabbit pets. I am a Preschool Teacher, I love to cook, craft, and spend time with my family outside, playing board games, watching movies, and just hanging out. I am looking forward to getting to know you all!
This is my second experience as a graduate student, furthering my knowledge in the field of education. The first time around, I earned a master's degree in special education because it is dear to my heart, and a passion of mine to advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. I also feel like I can be a resource for families to learn how to support their child while also ensuring they understand their child's rights as a person with a disability. This time around, when I decided to return, I chose the MAECEL program because I can see myself wanting to advance in my career and be an educational administrator in some capacity.
I am currently a Lead Preschool Teacher, with a teaching team "under" me that consists of a Teaching Assistant, and one aide. This has been my first year overseeing staff in a managerial position. Prior to this year, I was a substitute teacher. Therefore, it has been a big shift in responsibility for me. During this time, I also learned a lot about what the administrators do within my program, and how their work and efforts affect the overall wellbeing of students and families. This powerful impact left me curious and able to envision myself someday, moving to a position like this to help students and families through strong leadership.
I am already someone who prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion because to everyone has the right to be integrated and valued into every aspect of human rights and treatment regardless of their intellectual and physical abilities, race, or economic status. I work with families who are at the poverty level. Some have been in the previous program before and had issues with administration. I wanted their experience with me to be different. I wanted them to know my goal is to help support their child and their family in every way possible. My moral compass is aligned with overall seeing the good in others, and showing empathy and interest in their lives and understanding that everyone has a journey, a story to tell, and a purpose. I also pride myself on being flexible when working with and speaking to others so that they know they are safe with me, and I come with an unbiased viewpoint of their circumstance, and that I am here to help.
Part II: Program Connection
My expectation for myself as a MAECEL graduate student is to gain as much course specific knowledge as possible from each course through assignments, research, discussions, interactions with peers, and instructor feedback. Learning and growing information has no limits or bounds, and I am ready to jump in and become a stronger leader to help support children and families when I complete this program.
My expectation for others as MAECEL graduate students is that they do their best to communicate well through group discussions, through replies and feedback, and do their part when an assignment comes up that requires group work. We are all here to learn, all investing our time and efforts, and all have important things to add to the discussion.
The two courses I am most excited about are ECE624 Advanced Topics in Child Development, Learning, and Developmentally Appropriate Practices and ECE 671 Management and Administration of Early Childhood Programs. I feel like these two will specifically influence my professional goals but helping me understand advanced topics, which I may not already know and can build upon, and the management and administration piece I am eager to get stronger in for leadership.