Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Farewell Fellow Classmates
Why we are here and what do we want to accomplish with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies? This is what I was thinking about when I first started the master’s program. Why did I feel the need to continue my education and what would I do with that Master’s Degree once I acquired it? I would not be in the job position I am in now without my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have a better understanding and appreciation for the field of early childhood. I learned through the courses how to explain and validate the need to educate early childhood teachers and to demonstrate best practices.
A Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education made me a well-rounded teacher. I learned the importance of listening to others and I learned how to appreciate other’s for what they had to offer. I feel more prepared to teach adults and I understand more about why the field of early childhood is so important.
I learned how to be a patient leader through this program. Patience is a virtue that every early childhood teacher should have. A leader in this field needs to have patience with the parents, teachers, administration, and society. The field of early childhood is gaining respect within the field of education; we just have to be patient for others to understand its importance.
A long-term goal for me is to acquire a doctorate degree in early childhood. I have the opportunity to continue on with my studies with the university I work for but they do not have a doctorate program for the field of early childhood. They call their program Child and Family Studies and it is not the way I see my education going.
Farewell to everyone that has been on this journey with me for two years now. I will say that I have not come across Jay in my last course and this worries me a great deal. He was having some health issues during the last class and I am uncertain if he has taken a leave of absence from school. He has been on this journey with most of us for these two years and he has been a strong leader and mentor for everyone. We are all strong individuals with passion, drive, and determination. I pray you all will have happiness and full-filled lives that demonstrate your love for children.
Melissa Weaver
Instructor/Teacher
The University of Southern Mississippi
melissa.weaver@usm.edu
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Dear Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed getting to know you over the time we have spent together in this program. I am excited about the prospect of you continuing your studies as I believe you have much to offer those you teach. I may call on you for guidance as I enter the world of adult teaching. Best of luck to you!
Fondly,
Monette
Dear Melissa,
ReplyDeleteWhat I thought about when pursuing my master’s degree was the more I knew, the more I could do for children. Some do not think of early childhood teachers as teaching but, babysitting children. To be the start of a child’s first attempt at learning is a remarkable thing and a very big responsibility. I agree that taking these courses only confirms how important the need to educate early childhood teachers really is, to teach children in the right direction. Getting to chat with you every week only confirms how important we really are. Best of luck to you.
Kathleen
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteIt is ironic that so many of us recognize that others are slowly realizing the importance of early childhood education. I think you will be an outstanding leader and would love to stay in touch. We both share the desire to continue on to the doctoral program. I am planning to begin that journey at the end of June. I will continue following your blog. Know I am here if you ever need encouragement. We are collaborators in the field and will remain members of each other's community of practice moving forward.
Dear Melissa,
ReplyDeleteIt has been great getting to know you in this course. I appreciate your love of teaching others and your desire of getting others to understand the importance of play. I wish you the best in the future especially as you are looking into the doctorate program. You will do great! I also thank you for opening my mind to explore this option.
Thank you!
Dorcas
Melissa, it was great reading your blog post this week. I cannot believe this class is finally coming to an end. I'm glad to see that more people feel that play is important. I too focused on this for my capstone project. It would be interesting to see your responses statement and goals. Good luck and I wish you all the best in the future, in all that you do.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the completion of this program. I wish you all the best in your future efforts.
ReplyDeleteDear Melissa,
ReplyDeleteYour posts have moved and inspired me. No doubt that I will reach out to you for help in the very near future. Now is the point of no return, the big dive into making our projects a dream come true! Whether you live in the United States or abroad, today's means of communication support our needs for collaboration and friendship. On my part, I know that I will need your sincere feedback every step of the way since working you allowed trust to prevail between us. I feel blessed to have you in my close community of practice and adjourning means starting on a new trail knowing that my friends are not only holding me in their thoughts but are ready to come to my rescue if I call them. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU and talk to you soon.
MarieFrance
Please, stay in touch!
Here is my information:
Personal email address: mariefrancepatterson@yahoo.com
Cell phone number: 415 307 4827
Skype name: marie Patterson (San Francisco)