OSU Graduating Class of 2014

Today marks a pivotal point in my career as an Early Childhood Professor!  As I write this I'm sitting waiting for the graduation class of 2014 to take their seats, and begin their educational journey as graduates of the Early Care and Education program.  This is significant because within the graduating class are students who became staff, and students who have applied themselves educationally and embarked on a new career of being a reflective practioner.  These same students entered my classes unaware of how they would be challenged in their thinking, how we would build relationship over time, that would cause disequilibrium and create real learning connections.

As an early childhood professor, I've learned that the practical application of theory into everyday experiences changes the very work of the teacher and the student.  I look forward to watching these same students, as they change the face of the education systems that they are apart of.

My joy is that my theory of adult learning and respecting adults for the knowledge they bring to the classroom is taking shape.  The idea that we as teachers have a story to share, our story and our experiences that bring us together.  My hope and aspiration is to create a learning environment that reclaims the wonder of childhood, exploration, inquiry for the adult learner.  Igniting a new generation of teachers that naturally gravitate to wonder, reflect, and exploration as they engage young children.

Today, I see the realization
of my own wonder, inquiry, exploration in the faces of my students, and colleagues as they take their seat and step into the next phase of their education.