This week I was able to speak with my early childhood contact in Israel through several emails. I have been able to ask her many questions regarding the Jewish preschool that I work at, so it has been a very eventful and thought provoking week. I was also able to communicate with her about the questions from this week's blog assignment. Here's what she had to say:
1. What issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals are being discussed where you live? From this topic we discussed my current challenges with finding qualified teachers, and my friend in Israel said she has experienced the same thing. There is a focus on providing high quality early education environments where she is at and studying, but the quality of teachers available lacks significantly. She is also working towards her Masters degree, and wants to be able to work for a program that "makes a difference", but worries she won't be able to find exactly what she is looking for.
2. How does your center handle professional development? Teachers are able to find professional development opportunities, and within reason the center will facilitate them going. This is a little different than what I am used to, as a large center with budgetary constraints, I sometimes unable to pay for higher priced professional development for my teachers.
3. What are your longterm professional goals? We talked about how her first goal is to finish school, and then see what life looks life. We joked that we were definitely in the same head space there!
4. What are some of your hopes, dreams, and challenges? She would love to open up a center of her own one day, but understands the financial backing that would require. She said, "it's important for me to do what I love, and love the people around me".
It was really a great week professionally, for me. I have enjoyed getting to know my Israeli friend, and look forward to potentially visiting her some day!
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