Jacqueline Blackwell Adopt A Teacher Program
Jacqueline Blackwell Adopt A Teacher Program
Dear ACEI Friends,
After I became President of ACEI in 2003, I had many opportunities to talk, connect, and reflect with many teachers worldwide in person, by telephone, or via E-mail. These preservice, novice, experienced, and seasoned teachers all have shared stories about their lives. Some stories made me smile and laugh, while others made me cringe or take a deep breath. From these conversations and experiences, I felt a strong urgency to request assistance for all teachers if I am to make promoting high-quality education for each child or youth, regardless of geographical location, a personal priority.
Regardless of program type, teachers employed in public or private schools (grades pre-kindergarten through 12), early childhood centers, child care centers, nursery schools, preschools, primary schools, and Head Start Programs have experienced constantly changing demands and expectations from many sources. International child care guidelines, local child care regulations, program accreditation guidelines, teacher licensure, current and pending legislation and mandates, professional associations, and budget crises have added to the complexity and mounting tension affecting the work of teachers and teaching assistants.
Acknowledging my passion for and the importance of having a "highly qualified teacher" for each child and youth worldwide, I need your help to implement the Adopt A Teacher Program. Given the current political climate worldwide, our preservice, novice, experienced, and seasoned teachers need our collective help. Adopting teachers across the career continuum will ensure that teachers will have access to human support and resources, thus making a significant difference in the lives of children and youth.
In order for the Adopt A Teacher Program to be a successful one, I need my ACEI friends to join me and invite others (i.e., colleagues, family members, neighbors, friends, community members, and retirees) to take three steps forward to make a difference in the life of one special teacher by being an adopter for one year. Please consider trying several of the suggestions below, while asking others to join us:
- Thinking of meaningful ways to help one teacher
- Investing time on a regular basis to support one adopted teacher for one year
- Choosing to take a stand for high-quality education for all
- Assisting the adopted teacher in the learning environment, if needed
- Exhibiting joy, compassion, and caring when working with your adopted teacher
- Sharing your special collaborative connections and sharing both financial and non-monetary resources with your adopted teacher
- Remembering to renew your commitment to the Adopt A Teacher Program for an additional year.
As the Adopt A Teacher Program gains momentum, everyone must remember that "It takes the whole ACEI village to make a commitment to the success of the Adopt A Teacher program." Therefore, answers must be sought for these questions:
- As an adopter, what do I have to offer that will make a difference in the life of one teacher?
- As an adopted teacher, how can I show that I value the support gained through this adoption?
- As an adopter, how will my attitude and body language demonstrate joy, compassion, and caring for my adopted teacher?
- As an adopted teacher, how can I graciously accept help and welcome the adopter into "my" world?
- As an adopter, how will I sustain my interest in and enthusiasm for helping one teacher over time?
- As an adopted teacher, can I plan to become an adopter?
The Adopt A Teacher Program will offer opportunities and challenges for adopted teachers and adopters across the career continuum. More important, everyone will need to remember these words as these new relationships develop:
- "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."—Dalai Lama
- "The day of the dinosaur is over. The future belongs to the bridge-builders, not the wreckers." —Mary McAleese
Because the Adopt A Teacher Program is a HIGH-priority agenda item for me as President of ACEI, I have taken the first steps to implement this program. I have formalized adoption plans for a second-year teacher and a seasoned teacher. With your help, "our" Adopt A Teacher program can contribute to enhancing the quality of education for all. Will you consider joining me in this endeavor?
If you would be interested in continuing this discussion online, please let me know either by E-mail (jblackwe@iupui.edu) or telephone (317-274-6830).
Warmest regards, Jacqueline Blackwell, President
Adopt a Teacher Program
Application Guidelines
Deadline: March 15
The Adopt A Teacher Program will recognize and support the work of ACEI members who are teachers of children, youth, college interns or teachers. Through this formal arrangement, an ACEI member initiates a "special adoption" of a teacher in his or her local area. Each selected teacher will receive $500 (U.S. currency) at the ACEI conference.
Using the suggestions and questions outlined in the Adopt A Teacher Program (above), the adopter and adoptee will create a written agreement that demonstrates how this team will work together during the academic year. The agreement also will include a section that highlights how children, youth, college interns, or families will benefit from this formal agreement.
In order to be considered, each applicant team should:
- Have one team member who has been an ACEI member for at least two years
- Submit an agreement signed by the adopter and the adoptee
- Be willing to share this experience with other teachers in a formal setting (i.e., ACEI conference) or in writing.
By March 15, send three copies of agreement to:
Adopt a Teacher Program
Association for Childhood Education International
17904 Georgia Ave, Suite 215
Olney, Maryland 20832
To ACEI home page.
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