Black History Month is a month that recognizes the adversities that African and Black Americans have faced and continue to face, throughout U.S. history.
In 1976, February was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford as Black History Month. He encouraged citizens to 鈥渟eize the opportunity to honor the often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history鈥�.
February is a time for us to celebrate African American culture and heritage and honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and more. It鈥檚 also a time for us to highlight 澳门天天好彩开奖鈥檚 very own heroes as well!
This year, 澳门天天好彩开奖 is spotlighting early childhood educators and 澳门天天好彩开奖 employees who not only positively impact the lives of the children and families we serve themselves, but also help 澳门天天好彩开奖 continue its mission in providing affordable and accessible high quality child care education to low-income, working families in the greater metropolitan area.
For this Black History Month employee spotlight meet Ms. Vida, a 澳门天天好彩开奖 teacher!
Ms. Vida sitting by the microphone getting ready to lead a fun story time session with 澳门天天好彩开奖 students.
颁别苍迟谤辞狈铆补: What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?
Ms. Vida: My favorite thing about being a teacher is that I am able to inspire and encourage the children to become anything they want to become. I am able to see the children's growth over the years.
颁别苍迟谤辞狈铆补: Do you have anybody who you admire who identifies as Black/African American and who inspired you to get into the early childhood sector?
Ms. Vida: I admire and am inspired by my African American mother because she only went to the 6th grade. As she grew older and had children, she went back to vocational school to get her high school diploma.
颁别苍迟谤辞狈铆补: How important do you believe it is to have Black/African American educators in the early childhood education sector?
Ms. Vida: It is important to have an African American teacher in the Early Childhood Education field because we are equal regardless of our skin color or hair. I am able to represent the children and advocate for them as I am an African American educator. Also, African American teachers are able to connect with the African American students through food and language.
颁别苍迟谤辞狈铆补: How do your values align with 澳门天天好彩开奖鈥檚 mission?
Ms. Vida: My values align with 澳门天天好彩开奖 beliefs in that we both put the children first and their safety.
Ms. Vida reading Hair Love by Matthew Cherry
颁别苍迟谤辞狈铆补: Tell us about your career path. How did you end up in your current role with 澳门天天好彩开奖?
Ms. Vida: The path that lead me to be at 澳门天天好彩开奖 was attending Briya to get my CDA. My positions [at 澳门天天好彩开奖] were then promoted from floater to a Teacher.
颁别苍迟谤辞狈铆补: What is your favorite activity to do with your students at 澳门天天好彩开奖?
Ms. Vida: My favorite activity to do with the students at 澳门天天好彩开奖 is reading a book and bringing it to life.
颁别苍迟谤辞狈铆补: What has been your favorite memory with 澳门天天好彩开奖 students?
Ms. Vida: My favorite memory with 澳门天天好彩开奖 students is being able to go on field trips with the students before the pandemic. Also, during Valentines day, some teachers, children, and I created outfits to march around 澳门天天好彩开奖 for Black History Month.
颁别苍迟谤辞狈铆补: What advice do you have for those interested in becoming an early childhood educator?
Ms. Vida: My advice for new beginning early childhood educators is to believe you can inspire to give children wisdom and knowledge. It is hard work but it is rewarding.