I have really had an enjoyable time getting to know my "teacher friend" from Germany! This assignment has been fun and depressing comparing what we know and are learning to Europe, who seems to have it a lot more together than our country does.
The issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals being discussed in Germany are that Europe has a life-long learning project called, "Precious Project". This project was based on efforts within European partner countries to increase the quality of training for early childhood professionals. Their statement of commitment highlights "highly qualified staff performs more efficiently and increases the prevention effect and therefore reduces the cost factor".
Teachers are encouraged to attend at least one yearly training event. Carolyn tells me they are all glad to go because it does not cost them anything and the weekend long training is held three times a year in Germany. The classes are fun, they learn incredible amounts of information and are fed breakfast and lunch. Maybe if it was done that way here, people would be more willing to go and get their training. She told me that teachers are more than willing to go, but also that the general public sees them as professional teachers and their pay is comparable to the school system.
Carolyn also gave me a reference if anyone would like to check out the details.
http://www.european-agency.org/agency-projects/early-childhood-intervention
Those are the only details given to me. I did check out the website and it is very informative!
It is discouraging to hear about all the great thing happening in our field over seas. It makes me hope for a future for our profession. I dream of a day when we can stand together as a Nation and not individual states and fight for our children. We too could someday have a "precious project."
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your sharing of the information you have gathered over that past weeks. I find it so interesting. Thank you also for the link for more information.
When will our country began to invest hold-heartly in the field of early childhood education. Your post is encouraging enough to know that some countries have gotton it right, it may happen for us sooner then later.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link, I love to here about teachers feeling supported. We more often hear the opposite.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI have to say, what I have been reading and what my friend from Germany remembers of when she was there, the image is different. A very good difference. We need to continue to see the value of life-long learning. I hope that you continue to keep in contact with your new friends.
Carmellia