Sometime things will happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming these obstacles that you would have never realized your true potential, strength, will power, or heart.
One such person who has been a source of constant inspiration has been Marian Wright-Edelman, president and founder of the Children's Defense fund and long time advocate for Civil Rights.
"If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time."
"A nation that does not stand for its children does not stand for anything and will not stand tall in the future."
"You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation."
Another person whose words assured my I was on the right path was Lilian Katz. She identified several core dispositions that she believed teachers of young children should possess to be an effective teacher.
Those core dispositions are:
- Delight in and be curious about children’s
development - Value children’s play
Expect continuous change and challenge - Be willing to take risks and make mistakes
- Reflect and self-evaluate
- Seek collaboration and peer support
- Actively advocate for children and appropriate teaching practices
On passion, motivations and wisdom of others in the field...if we follow the Perry Preschool Project and the Head Start models that tell us that every child deserves the same educational experiences and that early childhood is the most influential and critical time in a child's life to begin educational successes; we know that it is in our best interest to invest in quality education programs for all children.
Louise Derman-Sparks calls it serendipitous that she ended up in the early childhood field. I could also say this has been "a happy accident" but moreover I know it was destiny!
If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marian_wright_edelman.html#ktth8U1F9JKYHg6k.99
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marian_wright_edelman.html#ktth8U1F9JKYHg6k.99
Hello Davey, those quotes from Mariam Wright-Edelman are very powerful quotes with deep meanings. I especially like the quote "You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make even the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation." When all educators, parents, policymakers, stakeholders,advocates, etc all stand together we can make serious changes in the early childhood field. Just as us colleagues blogging, learning, connecting, and growing together here at Walden, we can and will be apart of the change!
ReplyDeleteHi Davey, Your blog made me feel motivated with the wonderful words of wisdom. I truly agree with the quote, "If you don't like the way of the world change it." Every child does deserve the best that we can give them. Head Start is a good program that values diversity and shows that in Quality Early Childhood Programming, children really do get a head start. Best of Luck, Diana
ReplyDeleteDavey,
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog post this week! The pics are a nice added touch. I like the quote you posted by Mariam Wright-Edelman because I believe in changing the world one child at a time, one interaction at a time.
"If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time."