The conflict between access to education vs dedication to practice is real. But neither in itself tells the whole story of the individual, let along a classroom team as a social unit. I earned my BA in Child Studies in the 80's at Tufts. My family was unable to contribute a single penny, and I worked in the dining halls washing the dinner dishes of the rich kids to put myself through school. I entered the field tired but hungry to make a difference.
Over the years I have worked with teachers at all levels (having had to work my way up, beginning as an Assistant Teacher for multiple jobs regardless of my BA.) The problem in my opinion is not that credentials are unfair or don't matter. The problem is that people think credentials tell the whole story. There absolutely are state licensed teachers who had easy access to college but don't truly care about doing their best. There are absolutely teachers with zero credentials that come in as Teacher Aides, work towards a CDA, yet already have the gift, the touch, the heart of a seasoned teacher. And there are rock star teachers who truly know child development on every level because they studied it AND have heart. And there are aides and assistants who don't care at all, complain all day, and do not carry their weight on the team. And let's not forget those college kids who decide to join Teach For America, some for opportunity to really jump fully into the profession but also those who switched from a business degree to early childhood at the last minute to "do their time" (often as participants in a community without any ties to it at all) then leave student loan free.
I support the acknowledgement (and challenge) of having each member of a team specializing in something they excel at. Make good use of each person's very best. And yes, assign duties to the person with the credentials that reflect, hopefully, their knowledge and skill base to do those tasks. "Behind the scenes" let's see each human for what they bring to the table, and find ways to show gratitude for that in new ways if it can't be through the pay scale. Within the classroom walls, when children are present, they are all teachers. Period.
------------------------------
Mars April Caulton
Education Coordinator,
Mary Crane Centers
Chicago IL
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2021 07:44 AM
From: Aren Stone
Subject: Job titles
Christina:
I love your last line comparing a center to the human body. I have more difficulty with your view of education for early childhood educators. Many people are unable to access higher education due to financial or time constraints, such as the need to care for children or elders. And probably all of us know educators who have "put in the time" by teaching and are better teachers than another educator who has been able to put their time and resources into higher education but aren't as supportive of the children in their care. Often those with the title "assistant" are earning less than those without that qualifier added to their title, so it can be punitive. I invite people to widen their view of the definition of dedication to good teaching.
Christina wrote:
I understand what you are saying however, why not recognize the ones who have dedicated the time and energy into the education. We call college teachers "Professors" cause they put in the work..."Doctors" or "Physicians" have earned their titles. It is not punitive to have the title Assistant on paperwork - its the level they are at in their educational journey. I think what matters most is how they are treated...do all staff receive the same respect for what they bring to the center? Just like a human body, a center cannot operate without each individual part which makes every educational team member vital and valuable.
------------------------------
Aren Stone
she/her/hers
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA
Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2021 11:55 AM
From: Christina Roseli
Subject: Job titles
Interesting conversation:
I understand what you are saying however, why not recognize the ones who have dedicated the time and energy into the education. We call college teachers "Professors" cause they put in the work..."Doctors" or "Physicians" have earned their titles. It is not punitive to have the title Assistant on paperwork - its the level they are at in their educational journey. I think what matters most is how they are treated...do all staff receive the same respect for what they bring to the center? Just like a human body, a center cannot operate without each individual part which makes every educational team member vital and valuable.
------------------------------
Christina Roseli M.Ed
Quality Care Coach
Ventura, CA
Original Message:
Sent: 08-07-2021 09:09 PM
From: Amy Brereton
Subject: Job titles
Good day ECE community.
We would like to move away from the job titles: Assistant and Floater. We think these titles imply that these educators are less important in some way. We know they are essential. Do any of you know of alternate job titles for these roles?
Thank you for your service to children and their helpers!
Best,
Amy
--
Amy Brereton
"Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person." - Fred Rogers