Time Well Spent

Well here I am…my last blog post as a graduate student pursuing my master’s degree.  Ion one hand it feels great to say that and cannot wait for what the future holds, on the other hand…what will I do without professors and colleagues by my side cheering me on?

This process has taught me lots about myself personally and professionally.  I have grown as an individual and have identified that as educators we need to adapt much of what we do to meet the individual need of student. 

This program has also taught me about strength in numbers and the affect that collaborating with others can make.  Take our Capstone Project for example; overcoming issues that affect the well-being of children and families takes more than one person to accomplish.  It takes the collaborations of many people and organizations to raise their voices and stand up for what is right.  

Thirdly I have learned that there are endless job opportunities when you look locally, state wide, and nationally.  The opportunities are endless whether you are looking to volunteer your time or for full or part time employment. 

One long-term goal that I have for myself is to obtain a rewarding job that fulfills my passion on a daily basis.  Teaching adults about the field of early childhood education and the importance of early education is my passion.  I love to train adults and watch them get excited about children learning as well.  To obtain a job where I can witness this excitement everyday will rewarding.  

As this journey comes to an end I think about the many ways that I have been supported both by instructors and colleagues along the way.  Obtaining a master’s degree in any field is a great accomplishment.  As my husband has told me over and over, while I cried over assignments, “If obtaining a master’s was easy, then everyone would have one!”  Each of you should be so proud of your accomplishments.  The growth both personally and professionally that I have gain is amazing.  I owe much of that to the collaborative efforts of my peers.  I wish each of you luck as you continue life’s path.  

“It takes a village to raise a child.” 

- Nigerian proverb

"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand."
- Chinese proverb

Erika Riesinger

14301 Cimarron Ave. W.

Rosemount, MN 55068

612-964-3219
riesinger@charter.net

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

In researching International Early Childhood Organizations, I found that there a many organizations that I have never heard of in the past.  Many of which have great missions and visions for children and their education.

The first website that I visited was Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).  Their mission is to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society.  Throughout their website I found valuable information about children around the country and professional development opportunities.  I could not find any listing for specific job postings, however I did find on the website where they are seeking manuscripts for publishing.  ACEI is seeking articles from around the world on timely topics of interest that stimulate thinking, rather than advocate fixed practice.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children's lives by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.  The work that UNICEF does is very inspiring.  There are several job postings for UNICEF, however none in my area.  However the one job posting that I found interesting was Integrated Partnerships Manager.  This position would cultivate, manage and grow key programs with a portfolio of corporate partners which leverage in-kind donations of products, services and expertise, as well as grant funding.  The qualifications require a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ experience, in developing and managing complex partnerships between the corporate and non-profit sectors, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.  When disaster strikes around the world, Save the Children is there to save lives with food, medical care and education and remains to help communities rebuild through long-term recovery programs.  Save the Children serves impoverished, marginalized and vulnerable children and families in more than 120 nations.  In looking for jobs available at Save the Children I found a position of interest:  Early Childhood Coordinator.  For this position I would provide:

• Social/emotional development, language development and pre-literacy education activities for children and parents through regularly scheduled home visits. 
• Parent/child support and education groups in schools and community settings
• Screening and referral for children at risk for developmental delay or health care issues.
• “Transition to school” activities that connect parents and children to the preschool or kindergarten they will attend.
• A book exchange literacy program for enrolled children and parents. Books are available for children from birth to five years of age.

This position seems very interesting and one I would definitely apply for if it was in my area.  No additional requirements are necessary for employment.