Final Walden Post

I videoed my family telling how they feel about me completing and what that means for them…It was very eye opening and touching to say the least. I didn't realize how much time they missed with me.

            When you end an academic program, your professors, I am sure, wants to hear about the new knowledge you gained in content and issues and trends. I did learn a lot of new content and about issues and trends; however, that is not what I will share as my deeply felt learning's. As a professional, I should be looking to be abreast of new research, issues, and trends on a regular basis. It is the new skills I adopted and personal revelations I would like to share that will continue to push me forward in my professional development.

            There are many learning experiences that have changed me but there are three that I am going to share with you in this blog.

First, Social referencing was eye opening in many ways. It made me recognize that some of my thinking was very prejudice and judgmental. Although I never voiced my judgments allowed, they can still be represented by my actions subconsciously. I am now hyper sensitive to social referencing that I see it and hear it everywhere and am offended every time I do. I have even heard my children social referencing and I correct them immediately. I am glad that it was brought to my attention because the more people who are made aware of this type of prejudice the more likely will , hopefully, dissipate.

From our diversity class there were 4 propositions that I held on to because they met a lot to me that I will refer to often.

Proposition 1: Diversity starts with you: You play many different roles in life, called "social identities," and together these social identities make up who you are. Through your social identities, you represent human diversity.

Proposition 2: A person's diverse self comes to life, evolves, and exists within the milieu of the "family." Each "family" is diverse in itself; each has its own different family culture(s); and family culture(s) interact dynamically with the diverse world.

Proposition 3: Conflicts and inequities arise when diversity is conceptualized and experienced as a "problem" and when individuals and/or institutions resist/are in opposition to diversity.

Proposition #4: Equity and social justice are more likely attainable when diversity is conceptualized and experienced as opportunity.

Second, I enjoyed learning about teaching adults my favorite book which was one of our resources was the skillful teacher. That book will continue to be on my bedside table because I still think I can learn so much more from the book. Teaching adults has similarities to teaching young children, but really it can be very difficult at times because of all the dynamics that surround it. I enjoyed reading about strategies and creating my tool kit and am excited to utilize it within workshops I conduct and maybe even classes I teach in the future.

This was taken out of one of my papers that I wanted to share with you because I believe it is important in my professional career.

            A skilled teacher has a strong opening to her course that sets the standard by how she presents herself. She strives to know her students and teach to their diverse needs, which includes learning styles, disabilities, and personal needs. “In students eyes an important component of successful learning is perceiving the teacher as both an ally and an authority” (Brookfield, 2010, p. 55). Credibility and authenticity is demonstrated which tells the students; she is here with a purpose and passion. As she gets to know her students, she also shows her human side. “Students recognize that teachers are authentic when those teachers are perceived to be allies in learning who are trustworthy, open and honest in their dealing with students” (Brookfield, 2010, p.67). Motivation is imperative and taking time to know your students is a great first step. Being open and honest and showing that she has their best interest at heart begins with introductions but carries on into the curriculum.

The last thing I wanted to share was written in this class. I enjoyed the leadership section of this course (other too but my favorite) because I felt like I created a new vision of leadership that I hope to continue to put into action and perfect. Over the years, I have grown so much and I feel that this program has really grown me up in this area.

            I have found that I have grown as a leader because my vision has yet again been tweaked. Good leaders are always looking for ways to make their skills stronger and better.   My vision of leadership is that I become a leader consistent in my core values, but flexible to the needs of my team. I want my leadership style to encompass the transformation, reflective, and democratic leadership styles I have come to realize that I will never lead like my favorite leader. I have to lead by who I am utilizing the strategies and techniques that encompass my strengths. The best complement any leader could receive is, “I didn't think I could accomplish this, but you believed in me and supported me through, and I did it!” Joel Barker said, “A leader is someone you choose to follow to a place you wouldn't go by yourself (Bloom, 2003, p. 1)” My person individuals to success while also accomplishing a project or goal.

My Long time Goal is to become an even better leader then I already am and continue to grow by learning new skills and strategies through experience and keeping abreast of new information by reading and researching new information often. I would like to teach/coach adults to stimulate passion and intrinsic drive within the field of Early Childhood.

Farewell message in the below video. 

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!  

  Please stay in touch if you wish my email is loveandjoyineducation@gmail.com 

Quotes I love: