Three students at the Erikson Institute discuss what inspired them to pursue early childhood education, and offer advice for others in the field.
Ashley Telman
Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (Campus, Licensure), Erikson Institute
What made you want to pursue a career in early childhood education?
I began my career teaching adult education, mostly with English language learners, and just loved working with learners and their families. Through a position in a research laboratory, I learned about the power of education in the earliest years, when the brain is still developing, and realized that I could play a key role in the lives of young children, families, and even communities by pursuing early childhood education.
How has being in a program prepared you for your future career?
Erikson’s programs use early childhood development as a lens for considering policy and practice. The coursework requires you to consider theory, policy, and practice based on what research tells us about how children learn and grow. I’m certain that Erikson’s programs will challenge students at any point in their career to reflect on their role and practices as they work with children, families, and policymakers.
What advice can you give to other students who are considering a career in early childhood education?
If I could share any piece of advice with others considering the same career path, it would be to find a program like Erikson’s, one that emphasizes development, evidence-based practices, and reflection in all of its courses. Find a program that recognizes the power of relationships and creates a cohort of learners to challenge and support you. Then get started and get out there. We need you.
Kathryn “Katie” Suriano
Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (Online, Non-licensure), Erikson Institute
What made you want to pursue a career in early childhood education?
When I was an undergrad, I completed an internship working with and researching a population of “high-risk” teen girls. I learned that many of these young girls would struggle with incarceration, drugs, teen pregnancy, mental illness, and several other problems. I felt that working with young children would allow me to help to change the trajectory of their lives, especially those who come from low-income or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
How has being in a program prepared you for your future career?
Erikson’s program has prepared to address the range of challenges that I will face in our increasingly diverse classrooms and to advocate for my students’ needs, taking into account their unique cultures and contexts. Through this program, I have learned to apply principles from the early childhood literature and research in ways that help me to critically examine and ultimately better my own practice.
What advice can you give to other students who are considering a career in early childhood education?
If you love a challenge and love to keep learning, this is the field for you. Working with young children is such a joy and so much fun. It is also challenging, but it is never boring. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Today, some may discourage you to follow your passion to teach, but I think it has been one of the best decisions I have made.
Ron Anderson Grady
Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (Online, Non-licensure), Erikson Institute
What made you want to pursue a career in early childhood education?
Early childhood fascinated me because of the deep complexity underlying what appear to be the simplest processes in a young child’s life — saying words, choosing playmates, moving crayons across paper. It is also the ultimate intersection of art, science, psychology, community advocacy, and many more — and, what’s more, each day I am able to celebrate the beauty of children’s lived experiences and to work with them to make these as rich and fulfilling as possible.
How has being in a program prepared you for your future career?
The beauty of this program is that throughout your coursework you are invited to consider both contemporary and broader historical trends, issues, and developments in the field while drawing upon your own experiences as well as the experiences of peers in diverse sectors of this field. You are learning, collaboratively, and for real life. It is challenging and nuanced in the way of the real world.
What advice can you give to other students who are considering a career in early childhood education?
I would, above all, encourage them to embrace the profession with a wide lens. There are many possibilities in early childhood: teaching, advocacy, consulting, research, policy, or any combination of those. Do not be afraid to dream up your own path — the field is rife with opportunity and need for educated, qualified professionals and intellectuals — namely, anything is waiting for you.