Name: Linda Ehrlich
Chapter: Pittsbur
gh AEYC
Professional Position:
Arts Coordinator for Early Childhood Programs, Pittsburgh Public Schools
Professional Goals:
At this stage in my career I am most interested in deepening my understanding of quality programming for young children, based on current information about how children grow and develop. As I continue to learn, I then want to be an agent of change with colleagues, early childhood professionals, parents, and policy makers. I want to address some of the hard questions about school readiness, the role of play in early learning, how families can support early learning, etc. I’m sure this means more policy work as well as taking a larger role in professional development for pre-service as well as experienced educators.
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from IUP
Master’s Degree in Curriculum Development and Supervision Univ. of Pgh.
Continuing study in Bowen Family Systems Theory at Western PA Family Center
AEYC Involvement:
Co founder and past president of LANAEYC
Past Vice-President and Treasurer of PennAEYC
Program Reviewer for NAEYC
NAEYC representative on NCATE Board of Examiners
Family:
I just celebrated my 40th wedding anniversary in August 2009. I have two children. My daughter, Hannah Hardy is married with two children, Galen and Ezra (4 and 2). As many of you know who have had to look at all of the photographs, these boys are the loves of my life. I have a son, Seth, who is married and lives in Colorado. I have lived on the North Side of Pittsburgh for 35 years, just blocks from my childhood home. My daughter and her family live quite close, so seeing “the Hardy boys” is very easy.
Personal interests:
I am a collector, not great antiques, but “stuff” that I just can’t live without—small oil paintings with beautiful skies, iris pattern depression glass, framed Mother poems. I love getting a bargain at a flea market! I am an avid movie goer and I am quite active in my community and church.
Why do you do this work?
I am very committed to children as the most important resource in our country, and I worry that ther United States is a bit behind in service to children and families. If I can make any contribution, no matter how small, to increasing awareness and understanding of what children and families need to succeed, my time will be well spent.
Why are you an AEYC member?
Lillian Katz has a great theory about the stages of being an early childhood professional, beginning with survival and moving to consolidation and renewal. For me AEYC has been the guide and the catalyst throughout my career. I have been enriched tremendously by the organization, the member services, and the many professional relationships I have built and maintained throughout the years. I am continually amazed at the volunteer spirit and the giving nature of our Pennsylvania network, my fellow members in Pittsburgh, as well as everyone across the US.
Favorite AEYC benefits:
My favorite benefit is the Professional Development Institute. I attend whenever I can and find the size of the conference much more compatible to my learning style (the national conference is just too big for me most times!) I have also been honored to serve on the PA board and on Affiliate Council. The support given to affiliate leaders from NAEYC is excellent—much of the information about leadership, systems change, etc. is applicable in other areas of my professional life. I know that NAEYC’s increased usage of technology is a benefit, but I just have to figure out how to bring myself into the 21st century!