Why NAEYC Student Membership is Worth the Investment
During my first few semesters of college, I devotedly searched to discover where I belonged. I knew I wanted to gain knowledge and skills so I could be a professional who worked with children, but I did not know in what capacity. Then, I took one of my first child development classes—infant development. I found my career and my passion in one beautiful package! The class shifted the trajectory of my life threefold: it was taught by one of my most influential mentors (who has helped to guide and propel me down my career path); it instilled in me a deep passion for educating and nurturing very young children; and it introduced me to NAEYC. Just as my mentor and my passion for early childhood education continue to inspire and motivate me, being an NAEYC member continually benefits my professional life.
As a student, you are constantly given new information. From the theories of Vygotsky and Piaget to positive guidance to creating enriching, child-centered environments, students are hungry for more knowledge as they work toward becoming early childhood professionals. You dedicate yourself to being an excellent student—balancing internships and jobs and trying to have some semblance of a social life (beyond conversations with the barista while ordering at your favorite coffee shop)! When considering this hectic agenda, what makes an NAEYC student membership worth the investment?
The latest research and literature
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. —Margaret Mead
As an early childhood professional, you are passionate about ensuring that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. In a society that seems to undervalue early childhood education, becoming a part of an organization that supports your core values and beliefs is critical to your success and well-being. Struggling to change the developmentally inappropriate trends in our education system without support is exhausting, and the impact is minimal. As a member of NAEYC, with a group of like-minded individuals, you can accomplish much more.
You are committed to staying current on research in the field but find it overwhelming to search for and review literature from multiple sources (not to mention, some of it could be more engaging!). As a student member of NAEYC, you have access to a curated selection of the latest articles, research, and blogs by both new and veteran professionals in a variety of disciplines. Furthermore, you receive a 20 percent discount on materials from the NAEYC store, including the latest must-read books in early childhood. With current, relevant research at your fingertips, you can be an active, up-to-date participant in the classroom.
Professional development opportunities that meet your needs
The art of teaching is the art of continuing to learn. Teachers are the most important learners in the classroom.—Donald Graves
Few experiences can be as frustrating as spending time and resources on professional development that fails to provide you with the knowledge and encouragement you expected to receive. NAEYC student members are privy to members-only professional learning opportunities, as well as discounts on registration to national conferences and events with student-specific sessions and professional development opportunities. These opportunities allow you to use your valuable time and money gaining professional development that is high quality and pertinent to your interests and needs.
You have likely heard that building a strong network is one of the most important strategies for creating a sturdy foundation from which to launch your professional career. As an emerging young professional, seeking knowledge from experienced colleagues is exceptionally helpful as you come to discover what those currently practicing know. A student membership in NAEYC provides you with a network of members—from your community and beyond—with whom you can connect and discuss questions, challenges, and successes. Having these connections with practicing professionals in a variety of early childhood roles provides you with invaluable experiences that will encourage you to find a career path that fits your unique passions and skills.
As a student member of NAEYC, you also have exclusive access to digital interest forums covering nearly 30 unique topic areas, including a student forum. Interest forums provide a digital means of expand your network of early childhood professionals who share your passions.
Expand your network and increase your opportunities
Follow your passion; it will lead you to your purpose. —Oprah Winfrey
You want to share with the world your passion for serving young children. A student membership in NAEYC provides you with a rich, incomparable organization, offering resources that prepare you to be a successful professional beyond graduation. Finding a program that aligns with your goals, respects you as the knowledgeable young professional you are, supports you in refining your skills, and enables you to put into practice the values and beliefs you esteem, all while aligning with NAEYC values and beliefs can be an overwhelming task. NAEYC gives its student members an advantage—the opportunity to utilize NAEYC’s online career center. The career center allows you to focus your search on positions that align with your passions and career goals and to clearly present your strengths and potential to prospective employers. Searching for a job through the NAEYC career center makes the task easier—you can apply for positions using features like saving required documents, maintaining your personal information, and more.
Beyond these tangible benefits, joining NAEYC means that you are a member of the most influential organization of early education professionals. Being a student member of NAEYC tells the world that you are an emerging young professional committed to providing high-quality early learning experiences for young children, and you fully grasp the immense importance of the work our field accomplishes.
Click here to learn more about NAEYC student membership, and take advantage of a limited-time student membership offer.
Jenifer Fuller, MS, CFLE, is the education specialist at Tulsa Community College, where the A.A.S. and A.S. programs in Child Development, as well as the Child Development Center, are all nationally accredited. She is active in her local AEYC chapter and serves on the NAEYC Young Professionals Advisory Council.