Friday, April 12, 2013

International Jobs/Roles in ECE

My sister is currently teaching in Madrid Spain. In college, she majored in Spanish and then received her master's in the art of teaching. She wanted to become more fluent so she moved to Spain. Three years later, she is still living abroad, but will be moving home to teach in Georgia next school year. It is possible to find a job internationally with an ECE background. I will explore some international organizations that appeal to me--and the jobs that would interest me (if I were young and single like my sister!).

United Nations Children's Fund orUNICEF: The early childhood education portion was of interest to me especially the early childhood education and school readiness. This would be a wonderful addition to my community of practice. UNICEF works toward school readiness three ways: "children’s readiness for school; schools’ readiness for children; and the readiness of families and communities to help children make the transition to school" (UNICEF, 2012a, para. 5). 
Luckily, UNICEF offers a listing of jobs on the website, so I started my search. France would be fun, but I couldn't find a job that appealed to me in France, so instead of focusing on the country, I focused on the job. I found a Health Specialist (specializing in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health). I understand that this job does not fit with my challenge, nor with my degree, but I love working with families and their young children. The job is located in Nigeria and one requirement is: "advocate for and influence resources for the replication of effective maternal, neonatal and child Survival interventions" (UNICEFb, 2012, para. 8).The job requires a university degree in a health field, but this area sounds so interesting! I believe educating mothers and their babies is important in the ECE field.
Save the Children: This website has a section on education--and what I found fits my challenge! The Literacy Boost program was created to "help ensure children around the world learn valuable reading skills that are key to unlocking further education and career potential" (Save the Children, 2013, para. 2). What a great resource! I would love to be a international volunteer...this isn't a paid position, but what a great experience to advocate for children! I can play, teach and read to the children of Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Middle East. No experience is necessary--but I'm sure a master's degree in ECE will be a wonderful reference :).
Association for Childhood Education International: This international resource is dedicated "to promote and support in the global community the optimal education, development, and well-being of children birth through early adolescence" Association for Childhood Education International, 2011, para. 3). This organization has created a preschool for young girls of Tanzania. My cousin is currently in Tanzania through his work with the Peace Corps. I've enjoyed his emails from his journeys and think it would be a great experience to work with preschool children of different cultures. This kind of relates to my challenge--but I'm including it because it sounds inspiring! A Reviewer seemed interesting to me---reviewers "represent teachers, teacher educators, policymakers, and school specialists. The overall mission of the coalition is to set national standards that help assure quality and credibility in preparation for professional school personnel" (Association for Childhood Education International, 2011b, para. 4). Reviewers have to have experience in education--they do not receive monetary compensation, but what a great experience!
References:
Association for Childhood Education International. (2011a). About us. Retrieved April 12, 2013, from http://acei.org/about-us/about-us.html

Association for Childhood Education International. (2011b). NCATE. Retrieved April 12, 2013, from http://acei.org/programs-events/ncate.html

Save the Children. (2013. Literacy boost. Retrieved April 12, 2013, from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.7084483/k.8F5A/Literacy_Boost.htm

United Nations Children's Fund [UNICEF].  (2012a). Early childhood education and school readiness. Retrieved April 12, 2013, from http://www.unicef.org/education/bege_61627.htmlhttps://careers.unicef.org/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?

UNICEF.(2012b). Data overview. Retrieved April 12, 2013, from PARAM=cG9zdF9pbnN0X2d1aWQ9NTE2NkZDMUFEQTYwNTJCNEUxMDAwMDAwOUU3MTBGMEYmY2FuZF90eXBlPUVYVA%3d%3d&sap-client=100&sap-language=EN&sap-accessibility=X

2 comments:

Schlee Pulido said...

Rebekah –
I enjoyed blog very much; I would love to hear more about family’s travels. The thought of working abroad is so exciting and such a refreshing way of looking at your life. Unfortunately, like you, I am no longer single and have a family who would also have to change and that will not happen any time soon. Although you and I chose some of the same organizations, such as UNICEF and Save the Children. I would also love to work mothers and children to help even on a health care basis.
Great Job,
Schlee

Belinda said...

Hi Rebekah,

it is wonderful to have family that study and work abroad. Your relative that is moving to Georgia is moving to the state that I am living in, I know that she will love Georgia. I enjoyed reading your post, UNICEF is one of the organizations that I chose as well they are really dedicated to helping children in a positive way.