In this edition of the PDC Review, Heidi Malloy was chosen as our “featured guest.” Heidi is a member of the articulation workgroup, which works to ensure that students can smoothly transfer credits from one institution to another. Heidi may be a soft spoken person , but her message of respecting the providers experiences and knowledge comes out loud and clear.
What is your role at Metropolitan State University?
I am an Associate Professor and Coordinator for the Early Childhood Studies major housed in the Psychology Department at Metropolitan State University. I teach several early childhood courses, advise students, perform administrative duties, and serve on several department and university committees.
I know you have worked behind the scenes on many projects of the Council and other state initiatives. Can you tell us about them?
I have been a member of the Professional Development Council and the Articulation Workgroup since 2002. As a member of the Articulation Workgroup, I have been involved in advocating for articulation agreements between the 2-year Community and Technical Colleges' Child Development degree programs and the 4-year Early Childhood degree programs. As a group we have conducted several presentations at Community and Technical colleges, Early Childhood Conferences, and professional organizations including Associate Degree Child Development Teacher Educators (ACCESS), and the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (MNAECTE). In addition, we collected information about current articulation agreements across the state and created a brochure to help students choose programs that align with their current degree program. Participating in this workgroup has been beneficial as I work toward my own goal at Metropolitan State University to articulate the Early Childhood Studies Bachelor of Applied Science program with Child Development programs across the state.
Since 2002, I have also participated in the assessment of student's prior learning in the field of early childhood through the Early Childhood Assessment Program at Metropolitan State University. This program assesses students' individual learning gained outside the college classroom and also reviews non-credit training in early childhood for college credit. Early childhood providers who have taken trainings such as Infant Toddler Training Intensive, Project Exceptional, and SEEDS of Emergent Literacy can receive college credits through Metropolitan State University. For additional information, check out our website at www.metrostate.edu/ecap. The Early Childhood Assessment Program is funded through a grant from the Department of Human Services.
In addition, I am a member of the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) and Retaining Early Educators through Attaining Incentives Now (R.E.T.A.I.N.) advisory board and have worked with the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC) to offer courses for the MnAEYC's Director Credential at Metropolitan State University. Finally, I actively advocate for legislative initiatives supported by Ready4K and Child Care Works.
What keeps you involved and motivated when faced with the challenges of the field?
I continue to be involved in the field of early childhood based on my strong belief that all children deserve to have the best care and education. I am reminded of why I am in this field every time I see the children when I supervise students working in the vast array of early childhood classrooms throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
What do you see as the biggest gap in the professional development system?
I believe there are at least two large gaps in the professional development system. One is the need for creative and innovative student-centered articulation agreements that enable early childhood providers to systematically climb the career ladder from aide to a licensed teacher without the fragmentation that is typical when early childhood providers try to negotiate their way through Minnesota's higher education systems. I believe this system should include valuing the knowledge of those who come to higher education with previous early childhood experiences. I also would like to see a system of mentoring and technical assistance for all new teachers entering the field as well as those who have been in the workforce for a number of years.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment professionally?
Implementing the Early Childhood Studies major at Metropolitan State University has probably been my biggest accomplishment and it continues to have its rewards as well as challenges with each passing year.
What do you do to cope with the stresses of your career?
When I am away from my work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also use time away from work to visit museums, attend theatrical performances, or travel around the country. I really enjoyed my trip last year to San Antonio, Texas where I attended the National Association for the Education of Young Children's National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development.
On behalf of the MnPDC thank you, Heidi, for all you do. |
