Mano a Mano 3 Phase II Internet Course Week 10 – Topic VI Change Drs. Ellen Marshall and Cathy McAuliffe

Objectives Students will explore their understanding of the change process as it relates to the early childhood profession

Introduction to Change Watch this five minute video that smashes some myths about change: &q=change+and+teac hers&hl=en

Why is this topic important? Quality early childhood experiences are critical It takes too long to translate research into practice Professional development for early childhood education teachers needs to improve so educators adapt to change

Definition of Change Terms Early adopter = A person in the forefront of adopting new ideas (Rogers, 1995) Early childhood classroom = A public school, private school, or childcare setting for two through eight year olds Early childhood teacher = A teacher who works with children between birth and eight years of age

Definition of Terms Innovative practices = Information, ideas, or concepts that are relatively new to the early childhood teacher (Rogers, 1995)

Major Themes in Change Theory Both personal qualities and organizational factors effect change Change comes in different sizes Some teachers are more amenable to change than others Teacher education programs must improve so that changes are implemented in a more timely manner

Major Themes in Change Theory Teachers need a voice in the change process Teaching is complex Affective qualities are equally as important as technical knowledge

One Way to Look at The Characteristics of Early Adopters Early Adopter View of self as teacher View of self as learner A deep concern For others A spiritual view of the role of teacher A deep desire to impact others

Think about yourself in terms of these qualities… Early Adopter View of self as teacher View of self as learner A deep concern For others A spiritual view of the role of teacher A deep desire to impact others

Allow us to introduce you to… Ten early childhood teachers who are quick to make changes (they’re early adopters) They will tell you why they became early childhood teachers…

“I feel strongly that it was a calling in my life” Jamie

“You know, I did babysitting when I was younger so it seemed logical.” Terri

“At the time, I had the skills and I needed a job.” Araceli

“It was an accident. Someone asked me to substitute in a child care center.” Ann

“I found it by mistake. I wandered into the early childhood department on campus, saw the children, and got interested!” Claudia

“They asked me to step in at the early childhood center in my church.” Patti

“I had a supportive high school coach who helped me I and wanted to help others.” Sandy

“Nursing wasn’t available in the school so I chose early childhood.” Mary

“I was always best at teaching…” Linda

“I wanted the summers off.” Edie

How are these ten teachers alike? As seen in the next slide, they have similar –Core values –Character traits –Learning dispositions

Core Values Character Traits Learning Dispositions

Core Values These teachers view their profession as a moral endeavor These teachers have a spiritual connection to their work These teachers have a genuine caring attitude towards others

Character Traits These teachers have a positive attitude They’re persistent They’re flexible

Learning Dispositions They believe in continually learning They are reflective & introspective

So What Does This Mean? The willingness to take new information and use it to make changes in classroom practices can be impacted by these factors (see the graphic in the next slide)

New information Classroom practices New information Classroom practices New information Classroom practices Core Values Character Traits Learning Dispositions

Think about yourself! Go to the Change Activity (Word Document) and evaluate yourself in terms of the values, traits, and learning dispositions discussed in this presentation

Read about change! Article on Change “Clouds Come from New Hampshire”: Confronting the Challenge of Philosophical Change in Early Childhood Programs The article can be found on the following website: m/dulik.htmlhttp://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/pubs/katzsy m/dulik.html

Next week… We will discuss mentoring We will want you to make connections between this topic (change) and mentoring After that, there is only ONE week left! –And we will want you to make connections between ALL the topics we have covered int his course!