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Lisa Plotkin
Examining our Early Childhood Practice through Dialogue and Reflection
Professional Background
Lisa Plotkin is a dedicated advocate for early childhood education with an extensive background in developing and nurturing the potential of young learners and the educators who guide them. With 17 years of seasoned experience in the field, she has cultivated a rich career that encompasses a variety of leadership roles, teaching positions, and professional development initiatives. Lisa’s work is anchored in her strong belief in the sanctity of childhood, prioritizing authentic experiences that allow both children and educators to thrive.
Lisa's career has been marked by her focus on dialogue and reflection, as she understands that meaningful conversations can enhance both teaching practices and the classroom environment. She has worked closely with children in small groups to help them navigate emotional conflicts and navigate the complexities of their feelings, fostering an environment of understanding and growth. These practices not only benefit children directly but also enrich the professional lives of other educators. Lisa takes great pride in facilitating discussions surrounding child development and education policy, always counting on her collaboration with fellow professionals to foster continuous growth and improvement in practice.
Lisa is also well-known for her commitment to various initiatives aimed at improving early childhood education, including her involvement with The Paradigm Project, Shma Koleinu, and The Sheva Center Leadership Institute. These collaborations highlight her dedication to amplifying the voices of early childhood educators and ensuring that the crucial concerns within the sector are addressed.
Education and Achievements
Lisa Plotkin's academic journey is underpinned by a strong commitment to education, especially in early childhood. She earned her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University, where she honed her skills in teaching young children and advocating for their needs. Additionally, she achieved a Post Master's Certification in Early Education Practice, Policy, and Research through UMass Boston, further supplementing her established expertise with a robust knowledge of research and policy in early childhood education. In pursuit of administrative excellence, Lisa also completed a Director I Certification in Administration and Supervision at Massachusetts Bay Community College.
Her educational background also includes a BS in Decision Information Sciences from the University of Maryland College Park, which has informed her professional decisions and helped her develop a data-driven approach in her educational practices.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Lisa has been recognized for her innovative approaches to early childhood education and her ability to inspire others. She has led numerous workshops that focus on vital skills such as literacy development, the significance of mistakes in the learning process, and the importance of open-ended play materials. Many of her workshops have provided invaluable resources to educators, enhancing their ability to foster confident and capable learners.
Lisa has also contributed to the body of knowledge in early childhood education through her writing. She has penned articles that advocate for slowing down to extend time and space for children to respond, especially crucial during and after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights are deeply rooted in Lisa’s passion for understanding the needs of both children and adults to promote mutual growth and success.
Moreover, Lisa is proud of her creative endeavors; she re-launched her art business, The Art of Blue, in July 2021. This venture allows her to explore her artistic passions while giving back to the community through charitable contributions linked to the sales of her hand-drawn and painted cards.
Personal Interests
Outside of her professional commitments, Lisa enjoys a variety of hobbies that contribute to her well-rounded personality. Her love for photography and flower pressing showcases her appreciation for nature’s beauty, while her culinary interests, especially in cooking and chocolate, reveal her creative side. Lisa enjoys spending time outdoors on sunny days, particularly when the weather is just right.
Overall, Lisa Plotkin embodies the spirit of early childhood education advocacy, instilling passion, integrity, and reflection into her practice. She not only supports children in their early years but also envisions a thriving community of educators equipped to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflective thinking. Her dedication to both personal and professional growth ensures that she will continue to be an influential leader in early childhood education for years to come.
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