Preparing School Personnel for the 21st Century.

PROGRAM EXCHANGE

This ACEI theme issue, "Preparing School Personnel for the 21st Century," can be considered a reflection of ACEI's heritage and a projection of its mission into the future. On July 15, 1892, a group of kindergarten educators met at the First Baptist Church in Saratoga Springs, New York, to discuss and form a plan of action "to gather and disseminate knowledge of the kindergarten movement throughout the world, to bring into active cooperation all kindergarten interests to promote the establishment of kindergarten, and to evaluate the standard of professional training ..." (from a brief history of ACEI by Sue Wortham, ACEI Committee manual). This group became the International Kindergarten Union (IKU).

Through the years, IKU collaborated with other organizations concerned for children, with educators, and with families and the communities in which children live; eventually, ACEI as we now know it evolved. The ideals and practical business issues of ACEI are addressed in the constitution and exemplified in the individual members. Concern, compassion, and capability of early educators still constitute the core of ACEI. ACEI is a group of educators who care about others throughout the globe, who want to learn, and who disseminate findings on research and best practice.

In the 21st century, as in the past, it is individuals working collaboratively who will continue to influence people and policies. This impact needs to reflect what we know to be optimally appropriate for children. By sharing information, individual Branches make a significant contribution to local communities. This contribution is made first through relationships, which are built one-on-one. These relationships nurture future educators as they develop leadership capacities, encourage their colleagues, and effect change for children and early adolescents.

As we strengthen our Branch work, we make our international organization a stronger voice for children around the world. Strengthening our local Branches and spreading ACEI's message may be accomplished by building leaders through student Branches, mentoring preservice and beginning teachers, and providing recognition for ACEI members and others in our communities who support positive policies for children and families.

Collegial recognition of teachers' efforts helps them cope with the challenges of the profession. Professional encouragement can be given in many ways, including special activities for the Week of the Classroom Teacher, and other Branch-sponsored events. M.J. Savaiano, former Vice President Representing Intermediate/Middle Childhood, feels that one of the best things the Minneapolis Branch does is sponsor a Branch dinner meeting, to which they invite selected local teachers. Area musicians (including, recently, an accordian artist!) provide entertainment. The educators are praised for their conscientious work with children. The Branch hands out "goodie bags" full of useful and fun items. Educators around the globe can adapt this kind of positive interaction to suit their own communities in order to encourage colleagues to continue doing their best. What a great way to recruit new, talented ACEI members, as well!

From 1892 to 2000 the world has changed, and yet some things have stayed the same. The original focus of the IKU has broadened to a concern for children, birth through early adolescence. With a slight edit and paraphrase, the 1892 statements sound much like the current mission statement of ACEI. ACEI remains committed to the 1892 pledge to be an organization "to gather and disseminate knowledge" of best practice for children "throughout the world, to bring into active cooperation all" aspects of education for children, and "to evaluate the standard of professional training ..." for all educators, which speaks to preparing school personnel for the next century.

ACEI Branches can play a significant role in preparing personnel who can translate these goals into action. What new ideas does your Branch have to share as we mentor leaders for the succeeding generations? Together, each ACEI Branch makes a significant contribution to the preparation of school personnel for the 21st century. Best wishes as you reflect on the contributions of your Branch this past year and plan for the new century.

--Merribeth D. Bruning, Chair, Program Development Committee