The journey to get to the point we are at this week started for me about 6 years ago, with a credential for Inclusion. After I completed my credential I was awarded my BA, and now this week I am looking at finishing my MA. I look back at my time in this program for the last year and a half and I am amazed at how I have grown as a teacher and a person. I have meet so many wonderful people in many various parts of our world and I have seen what a huge field the early childhood profession is.
Three things that have changed me because of this program:
1. I am a better person/teacher. I have had many opportunities to do reflective work in my classes and I have learned more about who I am and why situations affect me the way they have. I can question myself and explore why I have bias and now have the tools to change my perceptions. I also have tools to help children have an anti-bias view of the world and can empower them to be proactive and seek justice.
2. I have learned that children in the world face many challenges when it comes to equality and quality of early childhood experiences. Today I can hold conversations about why these issues exist, and what we can do to help resolve the issues. And not just the issues that children in my own community face, but children all over the world.
3. I have learned what the importance is of sharing information and working with other professionals is the field of early childhood. I have learned that it does indeed take a village, and that we all have something important to contribute. I realize that I have been in a community of practice for over the last year and a half, and have meet some incredible wonderful, passionate people. I have learned the importance of conflict, and that together we can make a powerful change!
I want to thank everyone who has been in this with me since the first class. All my Professors, who challenged me to be a better person, and all my peers who have helped me understand and see different perspectives. I have been able to meet people from around the world, and hope to keep some of that correspondence going. I hope to be able to help others as they work through their programs as some have helped me.
As this chapter closes I know that I will move forward, and God has some big plans in my life. I am not too sure of what those plans are yet. I would maybe like to get a Doctrine someday, but for now I think I am going to get involved with some organizations within my community, state, and national level.
On a fun note, I look forward to being able to catch up on some books!
I wish you all well……and good luck!!
cindy47blog 
I enjoyed reading your post, I wish you the best of luck. I strive to be a better teacher as well, I feel I have room for improvement. My experience at Walden has been a great on in which I’ll never forget the instructors/Professors who has been a positive force in my life because I decided to go back to school later in life.
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