I had something of an advantage in this assignment because of living abroad.
The advantage of having a reason to contact these teachers has put them in the teacher position. Being a foreigner here, especially North American, places you in a pedestal situation. The assumption is that we have the answers and the resources and they need to learn from us. However, this inquiry had nothing to do with me. I needed to know from their perspective. The result is we find we have many of the same frustrations, challenges and rewards. At the same time there are areas that by working together we can help each other.
Wendy and her assistants hand painted bags with their school logo on it. The teachers were happy to do this and giving this to each of her parents made them part of the community. What a great, homemade idea. It also made a personal connection.
Living here we hear horror stories about education that were ameliorated by these professionals from the classroom. I am reminded that these teachers are just like we are, trying to do their best even though the situations may not be the best.
I have been reticent to bring up the issue of the migrant children because I did not want to offend or sound like I was being accusative. However with the subject of inequity and poverty Wendy offered this on her own. We have a common interest that I would have not otherwise have discovered.
I will say that Chinese teachers are incredibly conscientious. I had to be quite firm with Wendy to not do a lot of research. I would like to continue our emails periodically and did not want it to be too much trouble. But in true Chinese spirit, she assured me that it was her pleasure. She even asked me to contact her on her holiday. I am not sure if that was her or her culture speaking, so I decided to give her a break. It was lovely that Lily was able to answer.
It is interesting to me that the teachers did not seem to be aware of the work of international organizations in their country. However, it would appear that UNICEF and WHO are collaborating with the Chinese government to ensure children continue to be considered and provided for.
I do want to stay connected to the plight and solutions for the migrant children. I do know they would be appreciative if I just showed up. However, I would like to do something more substantive and perhaps on a regular basis. Now that Wendy is aware of my interest, perhaps she can hold me accountable.
The web searches into international children concerns has made me more aware of this country I reside in. this has sparked interests that will continue over the months ahead.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
International Web-contact on Professionalism in Early Childhood Field
Wendy is on holiday this week. Lily responded and another of her colleagues sent along some comments, as well. Her name, CoCo.
Coco mentioned that she works in a Montessori school, so the conversation with colleagues is about developmental issues and how best to meet the needs of their students. She feels by virtue of being Montessorian you are by what you do professional. Their approach is based on observation, assessment and individual curriculum. (Coco received her certificate in Chinese in Beijing with the American Montessori Institute).
Lily mentioned that up to four or five years ago no one was too concerned about education before Kindergarten. The interest has intensified since then, especially from the parents. It is possible to hire a professionally trained Ayi (this is something similar to a nanny) for your child. Often new mothers will have one for the first month. However, increasingly families are hiring them for during the early childhood period as well. This can be rather pricey - 5-6000 RMB (approximately $1,000 US) per month. This is too expensive for most so they are enrolling them in schools and expecting quality in the physical space, administration and teachers.
Both teachers felt there was opportunity in their school for professional development. In fact Coco is going to a course this weekend on how to teach ESL in Kindergarten.
Coco also mentioned that she learns by observation of her students.
Both teachers said their goal was to be the best Montessori teacher possible. Lily would like to take more training on the weekends. She would like to have training in other areas of education as well, like Art and Music. (Kindergarten teachers do not get holiday in the summer. They do have a month holiday at Spring Festival. However, even that is shortened by special programs set up at their school.)
Lily's dream is to be a Montessori trainer. She would like to provide for more teachers to understand Montessori.
Coco would like to study at Harvard or Cambridge.
Lily made an interesting statement to the question of what she would expect a professional teacher to be like. She said she would be calm, patient, happy, want to be with children and love them. She went on to say that she can teach them about development and academics but if they do not have these first qualities it will not last.
Both teachers stated that they were challenged by assistants who are not Montessori or early childhood trained. They come into the classroom with an idea of what they are to do and so the lead teachers are having to do on -the- job training. They find this can be difficult especially if it happens at the first of the school year.
I continue to enjoy the email chats we have. I see that our goals are not that different. The challenges may be from different sources but are basically the same.
Thank you again to these ladies for sharing their lives with me.
Coco mentioned that she works in a Montessori school, so the conversation with colleagues is about developmental issues and how best to meet the needs of their students. She feels by virtue of being Montessorian you are by what you do professional. Their approach is based on observation, assessment and individual curriculum. (Coco received her certificate in Chinese in Beijing with the American Montessori Institute).
Lily mentioned that up to four or five years ago no one was too concerned about education before Kindergarten. The interest has intensified since then, especially from the parents. It is possible to hire a professionally trained Ayi (this is something similar to a nanny) for your child. Often new mothers will have one for the first month. However, increasingly families are hiring them for during the early childhood period as well. This can be rather pricey - 5-6000 RMB (approximately $1,000 US) per month. This is too expensive for most so they are enrolling them in schools and expecting quality in the physical space, administration and teachers.
Both teachers felt there was opportunity in their school for professional development. In fact Coco is going to a course this weekend on how to teach ESL in Kindergarten.
Coco also mentioned that she learns by observation of her students.
Both teachers said their goal was to be the best Montessori teacher possible. Lily would like to take more training on the weekends. She would like to have training in other areas of education as well, like Art and Music. (Kindergarten teachers do not get holiday in the summer. They do have a month holiday at Spring Festival. However, even that is shortened by special programs set up at their school.)
Lily's dream is to be a Montessori trainer. She would like to provide for more teachers to understand Montessori.
Coco would like to study at Harvard or Cambridge.
Lily made an interesting statement to the question of what she would expect a professional teacher to be like. She said she would be calm, patient, happy, want to be with children and love them. She went on to say that she can teach them about development and academics but if they do not have these first qualities it will not last.
Both teachers stated that they were challenged by assistants who are not Montessori or early childhood trained. They come into the classroom with an idea of what they are to do and so the lead teachers are having to do on -the- job training. They find this can be difficult especially if it happens at the first of the school year.
I continue to enjoy the email chats we have. I see that our goals are not that different. The challenges may be from different sources but are basically the same.
Thank you again to these ladies for sharing their lives with me.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
ACADEMIC IMPACT
A link from the Association of Childhood Education International (ACEI) went to Academic Impact.
This is a collaboration of the United Nations with universities around the world. Topics like human rights, equity in access to education, as well as providing for higher education in areas where it is not available. These students are sent on quests to find pathways to peace through open dialogue, information sessions and summits. Inter-cultural relationships are formed and I suspect there is sharing of ideals. Reading about this, I could not help but think if the political uprisings and statements that have been made around the world in the past months were not at least in part fueled by this healthy discussion and sharing of ideas.
One further goal of this venture that resonated with me was the reversal of intolerance.
I am a firm believer in giving children and young adults a voice at solving the problems that we see as insurmountable. They have a way sometimes of seeing the core value and finding a way to it.
I do not receive a newsletter from ACEI, but I do from NAEYC. This month there is a connect to 'Let's Move Child Care Program'. (http://www.healthykidshealthyfuture.org/welcome.html). This is an initiative head by First Lady, Michelle Obama. It targets nutrition and physical exercise. The goal is to find a solution to the growing obesity problem among children in the United States.
This is a good place to say thank you to this country for setting a model for caring and finding solutions. Obesity is becoming a problem around the world where economies are expanding.
This is a collaboration of the United Nations with universities around the world. Topics like human rights, equity in access to education, as well as providing for higher education in areas where it is not available. These students are sent on quests to find pathways to peace through open dialogue, information sessions and summits. Inter-cultural relationships are formed and I suspect there is sharing of ideals. Reading about this, I could not help but think if the political uprisings and statements that have been made around the world in the past months were not at least in part fueled by this healthy discussion and sharing of ideas.
One further goal of this venture that resonated with me was the reversal of intolerance.
I am a firm believer in giving children and young adults a voice at solving the problems that we see as insurmountable. They have a way sometimes of seeing the core value and finding a way to it.
I do not receive a newsletter from ACEI, but I do from NAEYC. This month there is a connect to 'Let's Move Child Care Program'. (http://www.healthykidshealthyfuture.org/welcome.html). This is an initiative head by First Lady, Michelle Obama. It targets nutrition and physical exercise. The goal is to find a solution to the growing obesity problem among children in the United States.
This is a good place to say thank you to this country for setting a model for caring and finding solutions. Obesity is becoming a problem around the world where economies are expanding.
My Supports
My first and most important daily support system is God. Like Moses of old (Exodus 33:15), I have often times dug my feet in and said to Him, 'I will not move unless I know You are going with me.' Daily He gives me guidance, grounding, wisdom and security from His Word and His Presence. Thankfully, I do not have to imagine His ever not being there. Hebrews 13:5 promises He never leave me or give up on me.Thankfully He is a Person of His Word.
My next support is my friend, colleague and principal. Even though a generation apart, we complement and support each other. She is the one I want to text when I have successfully completed a difficult task, if I made a good grade or if I just heard a funny story. I do not make close friends easily and to have to think of doing this without her is difficult. I would flounder, be disjointed and have difficulty going on at my job and life here. We were separated when she first came to Beijing but still kept in contact by phone, text and email. But to be estranged, I do not want to and do not think I can imagine.
I have a few bi-lingual friends who literally get me through the day. In the complex where I live Lily helps me with Chinese workmen, housing issues and even directions. At school Annie advises me professionally as well as personally. I honestly do not know how I could manage without these two ladies. I have panicked called them from half way across the world and even from the Police Station. I suppose there would be other supports that could take their place, but they know me and I them. There is probably more dependence than I realize.
My assistants not only physically support me in keeping the children safe and happy. They also guide me culturally. They translate, not only language but intentions. They are incredibly patient. I want to be like them when I grow up. I simply could not do my job without them.
Being able to deal in the local currency and use a Bank card is such a convenience. When my wallet has been stolen there were emergency numbers and English speaking people to assist me. Life would be untenable without the ability to operate in this currency.
Taxis, buses and subways make travel here very convenient and inexpensive. I have vowed, I would never drive here but of course I could if need be.It would take quite a bit longer, but I could bicycle or walk to most places that I need to be.CHALLENGE
The challenge is buying a house.
Barriers: Language, legal system, knowledge of the housing market, quality control, any kind of better business information, foreign ownership regulations.
Emotionally,I would need the support of a Chinese person who either is a property owner or is familiar with the Chinese housing regulations. This would need to be a person that I trusted and that I knew had my interests at heart.
I would need English legal representation whom I also could trust both who knew the system and was honest.
I would need financial advice and guidance, also in English.
Frankly, this is an undertaking I have thought about but backed away from because of the enormity of the barriers. I have been thinking about this sort of thing lately. I have the security of my job helping me find lodging and paying for it. I cannot imagine coming here and having to do it on my own. And I have no dependents that I am responsible for. Thinking of doing that as a foreigner in this country is a formidable task. I sympathize to immigrants everywhere and admire their courage and fortitude.
However, there is the thing of following your dream. Sometimes things have to be difficult before we can enjoy the benefits.
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