Stacie Beland, professional advancement project director, Edward Street Child Services
Beland
Stacie Beland graduated from Clark University in Worcester and went on to work there as secretary to the university's president. Now, she's taking that experience to Worcester's Edward Street Child Services, where she will help early childhood educators move forward in their careers. In this Q&A, she talks about the economic value of early education and exploring Worcester's restaurants with her mother.
Vital Stats:
Age: 29
Residence: Spencer
Education: Bachelor's from Clark University, candidate for master's of public administration from Clark University
Previous job: Secretary to the president at Clark University
Start date at new job: Feb. 1, 2010
Q. How are you settling in at your new office?
A. It's been quite the whirlwind! I'm not sure I'd say I've had time to "settle" yet, but I've already learned a great deal. I'm surrounded by terrifically smart and talented people at Edward Street Child Services and I'm lucky to have them to help me acclimate.
Q. What's the biggest surprise you've had in starting the job?
A. I was amazed to learn that Worcester has the second highest number of accredited early childhood centers in the nation. As if that weren't surprising enough, Dr. James Heckman, who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2000, has demonstrated that for every dollar invested in early childhood education, there's an $8-return. Now, if I find that surprising I imagine most other folks will, too. That's why it's so important to talk about early childhood education in terms of a major contributor to the economic health of the city and the state.
Q. What challenges do you see in your new position?
A. I'm lucky enough to be working with some terrifically talented people, but there are challenges to every job. That's what keeps you on your toes! I'd say my biggest challenge at this point is understanding the different players involved in grant administration. Everyone has a seat at the table and everyone brings a different point of view. The challenge is listening to all involved, finding that elusive middle ground, and doing so without compromising the quality of care given at our early childhood education centers.
Q. How different is this job from your previous position?
A. Working at Clark was wonderful and an invaluable experience. John and Kay Bassett have been wonderful mentors to me. Having been at Clark through my undergraduate years and then for a major portion of my professional life, I've been telling people that I'm now performing without a net. I'd say the biggest difference is that Clark taught me how to (to use their tagline) "Challenge Convention and Change the World," at Edward Street I get to go out and actually do it.
Q. How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A. Back in high school, I wanted to be a psychologist. I wanted to help people realize their full potential and help them to understand that nothing has the potential to hold you back like your own mind. I think that in a way, I am doing this now. The grant I'm working on is designed to help educators in early childhood education centers get their associate's or bachelor's degrees. Many of these folks never imagined themselves going to school, and I get to play a part in helping them succeed. It's a different, of course, but the basic tenet of the theme is the same.
Q. Where's the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A. I have lunch with my mom once a week. We've been working at finding our favorite spots. Annie's Clark Brunch has always been our mainstay. Now that I'm closer to downtown, we've been able to expand our horizons a little. I've heard great things about Pupuseria La Salvedorena, on Pleasant Street, and I'm going to take her there next week.
Q. What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
A. I have been fascinated by education policy for quite some time now. I would love to be playing a part in setting the agenda for education policymakers-either on a state or national level.
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