September 28, 2011
This week as I thought about words of inspiration and motivation, several things came to mind . As I thought about it more, I began to sense a deeper meaning and connection in everything I was thinking about related to inspiration and motivation. In the video, "The Passion for Early Childhood" we viewed during week 2, the words of Louise Derman-Sparks resonated with me. When she talked about why she ended up in Early Childhood she stated " I knew I wanted to make a real contribution in the world and fix all the in justices in the world. Teaching would allow me to do that." Renatta Cooper states " Early Childhood Education as a civil rights issue. It is equity work." In aditional research on another major contributor the the field of Early Childhood, Dr. Edward Zigler is quoted " I have a built-in empathy for poor children as well as a deep belief based on my own life, that just because you're poor that doesn't mean you're inadequate." How powerful these words are. For me it is the essence of the work I want to be involved in. We help make a difference not only for the children in our classrooms today but also for children in the future. It really is about contributing to the great good when we have a positive impact through our work on children and families.
Hi Judi!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your quotes.Our Early Childhood Leaders are humble in spite of their powerful contributions----true heroes!!
Judi,
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started teaching I wondered if I was truly making a difference as an educator, but I realize that if I help just one child then all the hard work and long hours are worth it.
Thank you for those inspirational quotes.
Krista
Judi,
ReplyDeleteI almost put that same quote from Mrs. Sparks. It is a challenge to fix the injustices in the world, but as educators that is what we do. “… just because you're poor that doesn't mean you're inadequate.” I feel that many people have a stereotype that if someone is living in poverty that they aren’t smart or talented in any way. As a teacher at a poverty level school, I find that all children have gifts and skills no matter what their economic stature is.
Arica
Judith,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your blog post this week very much. As educators we must remember that we are here for the children. They are what matter and they are what we must keep in mind at all times.
Dr. Edward Zigler's quote touches my heart. My parents had six children and though we were not below the poverty line, we did not have a lot of money. My family, many teachers, girl scout leaders and members of my church encouraged me to follow my dreams. Their inspiration to show me that I could have a different life not only for myself but my children was very instrumental in my adult’s success.
Rhonda