A Note of Thanks and Support

During the weeks of being in this class I have learned a lot. Like how to respond to my peers and how to expand on different conversations. This is my first class in my journey to get my Masters, and it has been tough, with learning how to juggle being a student, a teacher, and a wife. I am still learning, and I know that I am not alone.

LaQuesha, you commented on my discussion board answers a few times, but during week 8 you told me that you have to read other people's posts to make sure you were on the right track. That statement meant a lot to me, because I have to do it as well, and knowing that someone else learns the same way I do, helped me to know that I'm not alone, and that I can continue!

Jeannie, it meant a lot to me that you said that I was already a good teacher, because I don't always feel that way! Thank you for seeing that in me, even when I don't always see it! You always have positive things to say, and it means a lot.

Examining Codes of Ethics

Three ideas out of the NAEYC Code of ethics that is meaningful to me are:

• Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues
 • Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect
• Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family

The reason being, is that I think it is very important to know and understand that children's family lives have a large impact on how they learn. Understanding the child's culture and their beliefs is a must because if you do not, then you could potentially lose the trust of the families, and the child. If you do not have the trust of the families or the children, then they will not be open to learning from you or they will not want you to teach their child.  You must know and respect the bond between the child and their family, and try to show them that you care and that will open up doors for you while you teach their child.

Three ideas out of the DEC Code of ethics that are meaningful to me are:

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

• We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives.

Responsive Family Centered Practices

• We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children.
• We shall be responsible for protecting the confidentiality of the children and families we serve by protecting all forms of verbal, written, and electronic communication.

The reason that these are important to me is because I believe in trust between the families and the teacher, I think that if the family trusts the teacher than it will be easier for the teacher to teach and easier for the child to learn. If you show that you are supporting the family, not only will it benefit the child, but it will benefit the relationship that you have with the family, which ultimately benefits the child. It is important to make sure that all families, including families with children with disabilities, are being helped, and that you are being their advocate. We want to make sure that all families understand the services that they can receive and that they are all well informed.