Professional Hopes and Goals

Of my many hopes and dreams, one wish that I have for every child and their family is to have their own hopes and dreams and to be supported in their quests by all who associate and work with them. It is through this support for every family that diversity will be an accepted general rule, equity will be an opportunity for everyone, and social justice will prevail.

One goal I envision for the early childhood field in relation to diversity, equity, and social justice, begins with me. I can best support diversity, equity, and social justice, by becoming a voice and advocate for anti-bias education. My first step in the direction of conquering prejudices, isms, and injustices is to put into practice steps that will lead to becoming an anti-bias individual.

In chapter three of Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards outline some key steps that can help us succeed in such a mission:

Stay focused and never stop.
Make a habit of self-reflection and self-correction.
Be aware of a road filled with complexity and disagreement which are necessary for growth.
Learn to recognize and celebrate accomplishments as they will energize our continued path (2010).


To our instructor (Johnna Darragh) and all my diverse friends/colleagues:

I thank you for your stories, expertise, wisdom, and tolerance. I want to thank those who responded to my blog and discussion posts. Your words of wisdom and affirmations made it all worthwhile.

I especially want to thank Johnna Darragh for her patience and planting the seed of knowing that I can be an inspiration to others as she has been throughout this course.

I wish you all a journey filled with diversity, equity, and social justice!

Until we meet again,
Sally Brooks


Reference:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).