This week I
talked exclusively with my contact from Mexico about their education system. I
wanted to see what current issues were being discussed, along with his personal
thoughts about the education system. Below are the questions I asked followed
by his responses. I was shocked and surprised by some of the responses, but in
the same sense, felt unified in some of the same stances in education that we
have together. I am overall pleased with the interview that I conducted this
week, and I hope it brings you insight too about the education system in
Mexico.
What issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals
are being discussed where you live and work?
Right now the main issue being discussed in my town is the low enrollment
rates. When new elected officials come into office the enrollment status of the
students always changes. The reasoning for this is because their parents might
not think it is safe for them to go to school, their families need more help
elsewhere, or the new educational changes are not beneficial according to the
families. Education in my town is of very low acceptance which is looked at as
low quality. The older students are the ones that drop out quite frequently. We
are now trying to get our officials to put education as a top priority for the
town at the moment.
What opportunities and/or requirements for professional
development exist?
There is room for professional development, but not the same as in
the U.S. Our professional development consists of mostly meetings on how to incorporate
the town and cities more into the educational system to make our system
stronger. We also have book studies every 3 months which I find very helpful.
What are some of your professional goals?
My goal at the moment is to finish my five year contract in
this Mexico school district, and then move to a neighboring school district in
a major city. In the city I feel I could better reach the children and families
to inform them about the education system and how positive it is. In the city
there is also room for growth in the field. I eventually want to move back to
the U.S. and teach again in a town populated by Mexican immigrants.
What are some of your professional hopes, dreams, and challenges?
A hope for me right now is to get these Mexican children on
track for a brighter future. It is hard to see each generation turning into the
generation before them and not making much progress. This is my biggest dream
and biggest challenge rolled together.
It's amazing how similar these goals are for teachers all across the board. We are all striving to improve the next generation, ourselves and to make that one little impression before were gone. I wonder sometimes how much of a lasting affect make
ReplyDeleteAbigail, I think it's wonderful that you want to reach out to other's worldwide. Children really need a strong and dedicated professional as yourself. That's an awesome endeavor.
ReplyDeleteYour contact was very helpful and he seems to truly want to help the children where he is teaching. The goals he stated are really the same for all of us even in the United States-but being Mexico I'm sure it is much harder to keep children in school( mainly in the smaller villages and towns). He sounded very dedicated-hope his wishes come true. You are doing a great job with your contact and it would be great if you stayed in contact to see if everything works out for him.
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