Three local or state organizations or communities of practice:
· WVU Extension services offers additional support for educators, parents, the community, and additional professionals. This also includes 4H clubs and other family consumer sciences. This extension office has helped me within the classroom setting by supplying personnel to come to my classroom and teach healthy eating habits, healthy dental care and cleanliness, and the importance of a garden. As an adult educator, this is a great tool to suggest to educators as their programs are free and incredible! http://jefferson.ext.wvu.edu/
· Birth to Three "Growing Together" is an incredible asset to early childhood teachers. This program offers free assistance for children that fall behind within cognitive and physical development milestones. Personally we are involved with them for my son and I strongly believe in them! The web address attached is for the WV locations but I'm sure there are separate sites for your state or community. http://www.wvdhhr.org/birth23/
· American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) is a site full of information that supports adult education. There is also a section for "Interest Groups" that supplies 29 special interest groups to support their members. GREAT site! http://www.aaace.org/
Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest me with skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill the role:
· Kindergarten teacher within Jefferson County Schools. While I teach the Universal Pre K, and LOVE it; my daughter is now entering Kindergarten and I want to be at the school she is at (and soon my son). Teaching Kindergarten would enable me to be at their school for at least 5 years. Another great bonus is that there are adult education classes that I would be able to teach in the evenings through the county. Being employed at the Elementary school would give me priority for teaching them as well. http://boe.jeff.k12.wv.us/
· Shepherd University has openings for student teacher organizers, this person is in charge of collaborating with the local public or private schools to enlist their student teachers positions for the upcoming semesters. This person might also be involved in observing the student teachers during their time at the schools. Requirements, Masters degree in field and 5 years experience working within the field of observation. http://www.shepherd.edu/hrweb/
· West Virginia Early Childhood Training Connections and Resources is always looking for capable educators to assist in teaching their courses for adult and high school level students. ACDS classes give students enough credits to gain a position as an aide or assistant within a head start, pre k, or lead teacher within a day care setting position. Experience needed is http://www.wvearlychildhood.
