Professional Next Steps

1. Professional Next Steps Explorers Academy, Billings MT Presenter: Claire Yenish, MA

2. Introduction

3. Three Possibilities • Publish • Present • PDS- Professional Development Specialist

4. Publish • Write an article • Do you have to be an expert? • What do you want to say? Keep it to the point. Do a little research. Tell your story.. Make it personal. Look at examples on your table Talk with your neighbor about what topics you would be interested in writing about someday.

5. Let’s meet Roanne Chapman!

6. TIPS How do I start? Practical Advice Because you represent Explorer’s Academy, I would run anything you plan to submit or post through your supervisor first. • Practice writing/blogging • Read articles and blogs • “Like” or “follow” people who you admire and respect • Receive publications from naeyc and Head Start

7. Examples of people I follow/who inspire me • Childcare Exchange • Naeyc’s TYC and YC (Teaching Young Children and Young Children) • FACEBOOK: • Dandelion Wishes Childcare • Claire’s Pyramid Page • Iowa Early Childhood PBIS • Pyramid Consortium • Alastair Bryce Clegg • Deb Curtis • Ijumaa Jordan • Sing.Play.Love. • Teacher Tom Hobson • Ann Pelo Who inspires you?

8. Present a Training! • Yes! You can do a presentation!

9. No way! I’m too scared!

10. My best advice: • Find a friend/colleague/mentor to partner with. • Everything is better with a friend! • Plan together • Support each other • Complement each other

11. Who could you give a presentation to? • Colleagues at Head Start • To Parents • Providers in the Billings Area • At a State or Regional Conference • At a National Conference

12. Tips for planning a successful session • Have a variety of activities/learning strategies • Keep your focus narrow • Start with what “nugget” of information you want them to take away from your session. In other words, have a clear message. • Include hands on activities • I always include the things I like about going to a session.

13. How to get started on this goal • Teach what you know and enjoy • Plan ahead • Practice • Get a mentor or colleague to help and support you • Be brave • Start small… be a helper to a presenter • Remember, people like to hear from actual teachers who ”get it”

14. Become a PDS –Professional Development Specialist

15. What IS a Professional Development Specialist (PDS?) • A PDS is a designation used in Montana to show that a person is qualified to teach early childhood trainings in MT. • There are three different levels. • PDS’s can be Head Start supervisors and trainers, Child Care Resource and Referral staff, teachers with required levels of education and experience, and more! • Why? If you have goals to be a coach, mentor, supervisor, or trainer in the future, consider becoming a PDS… it is a long term project, so it’s a good idea to start now.

16. Today we focused on Three Professional Goals: Publish, Presentations, and becoming a PDS. What other Professional Goals can you think of? Share with your table.

17. Discuss your future professional goals at your annual review each year • At this time, your supervisor can: • Help you prioritize goals • Break down big goals into manageable steps • Provide mentorship and support • Help you connect with • Give you a little “push” when needed! Remember, growth only comes with discomfort. Be willing to be uncomfortable! You can do this 

19. Thanks for Coming!