Shows
Teaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 35 : Valentina CaputoValentina Caputo has over 10 years of experience across the globe in early education. She has worked in education systems in Australia, China, Italy, and is currently based in Myanmar. Valentina is deeply passionate about nature pedagogy and project-based learning, with a strong belief in children's agency and their role as citizens in their own learning journeys.
Reflective questions on the topic of privilege in play to consider as you listen to Valentina's stories:
Is play itself a privilege?
What are the entanglements and dichotomies between freedom and boundaries in the context of privileged play?
What are th...2025-06-1150 min
Teaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 35 : Valentina CaputoValentina Caputo has over 10 years of experience across the globe in early education. She has worked in education systems in Australia, China, Italy, and is currently based in Myanmar. Valentina is deeply passionate about nature pedagogy and project-based learning, with a strong belief in children's agency and their role as citizens in their own learning journeys. Reflective questions on the topic of privilege in play to consider as you listen to Valentina's stories: Is play itself a privilege?What are the entanglements and dichotomies between freedom and boundaries in the context of privileged play?What are the elements that define pr...2025-06-1150 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 35 : Valentina CaputoValentina Caputo has over 10 years of experience across the globe in early education. She has worked in education systems in Australia, China, Italy, and is currently based in Myanmar. Valentina is deeply passionate about nature pedagogy and project-based learning, with a strong belief in children's agency and their role as citizens in their own learning journeys.
Reflective questions on the topic of privilege in play to consider as you listen to Valentina's stories:
Is play itself a privilege?
What are the entanglements and dichotomies between freedom and boundaries in the context of privileged play?
What are th...2025-06-1150 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 34 : Ren WenasRen Wenas has a background in Psychology and has worked in the early childhood sector for over 10 years. His roles have included being a therapist for Autistic children, an Early Intervention Coordinator with the NDIS, and a speaker at conferences in Indonesia, where he continues to advocate for inclusive and accessible education in his home country. Ren has a deep understanding of inclusion and diversity, and he’s incredibly passionate about equitable education for young people. He shared stories from his own professional journey—stories that reflect how his identity as an educator continues to evolves in ways they’ve shifte...2025-05-0555 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 34 : Ren WenasRen Wenas has a background in Psychology and has worked in the early childhood sector for over 10 years. His roles have included being a therapist for Autistic children, an Early Intervention Coordinator with the NDIS, and a speaker at conferences in Indonesia, where he continues to advocate for inclusive and accessible education in his home country.
Ren has a deep understanding of inclusion and diversity, and he’s incredibly passionate about equitable education for young people. He shared stories from his own professional journey—stories that reflect how his identity as an educator continues to evolves in ways...2025-05-0555 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 34 : Ren WenasRen Wenas has a background in Psychology and has worked in the early childhood sector for over 10 years. His roles have included being a therapist for Autistic children, an Early Intervention Coordinator with the NDIS, and a speaker at conferences in Indonesia, where he continues to advocate for inclusive and accessible education in his home country.
Ren has a deep understanding of inclusion and diversity, and he’s incredibly passionate about equitable education for young people. He shared stories from his own professional journey—stories that reflect how his identity as an educator continues to evolves in ways...2025-05-0555 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 33 : Dr. Rachel FosterDr. Rachel Foster has been in the early years sector for more than 20 years and is now a service coordinator and a sessional academic. She started her teaching journey in New Zealand and progressed into leadership positions after a few years of teaching. Rachel shared her doctoral thesis research on professional learning needs of recently appointed leaders in EC in NZ and found that early leaders seek for specific knowledge needs that support their current challenges and sought for social connections as they navigate the challenges of their newly appointed roles. We also spoke about what leadership means to Rachel an...2024-12-1241 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 33 : Dr. Rachel FosterDr. Rachel Foster has been in the early years sector for more than 20 years and is now a service coordinator and a sessional academic. She started her teaching journey in New Zealand and progressed into leadership positions after a few years of teaching. Rachel shared her doctoral thesis research on professional learning needs of recently appointed leaders in EC in NZ and found that early leaders seek for specific knowledge needs that support their current challenges and sought for social connections as they navigate the challenges of their newly appointed roles.
We also spoke about what leadership me...2024-12-1241 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 33 : Dr. Rachel FosterDr. Rachel Foster has been in the early years sector for more than 20 years and is now a service coordinator and a sessional academic. She started her teaching journey in New Zealand and progressed into leadership positions after a few years of teaching. Rachel shared her doctoral thesis research on professional learning needs of recently appointed leaders in EC in NZ and found that early leaders seek for specific knowledge needs that support their current challenges and sought for social connections as they navigate the challenges of their newly appointed roles.
We also spoke about what leadership me...2024-12-1241 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 32 : Jenna CloseJenna Close has been in the sector for more than 20 years. She has started her teaching journey teaching in Primary and Secondary sector and very quickly realised her passion for Early Education. She speaks so thoughtfully about her joy in her current role as a coach and mentor, and how much she values the growth journey that comes with it. We also touched on leadership, reciprocal learning, and the significance of building strong relationships and connections. In this episode, I invite you to ponder on: What does critical reflection actually mean to you?What does this look like in practice fo...2024-10-1738 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 32 : Jenna CloseJenna Close has been in the sector for more than 20 years. She has started her teaching journey teaching in Primary and Secondary sector and very quickly realised her passion for Early Education.
She speaks so thoughtfully about her joy in her current role as a coach and mentor, and how much she values the growth journey that comes with it. We also touched on leadership, reciprocal learning, and the significance of building strong relationships and connections.
In this episode, I invite you to ponder on:
What does critical reflection actually mean to you?
What do...2024-10-1738 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 32 : Jenna CloseJenna Close has been in the sector for more than 20 years. She has started her teaching journey teaching in Primary and Secondary sector and very quickly realised her passion for Early Education.
She speaks so thoughtfully about her joy in her current role as a coach and mentor, and how much she values the growth journey that comes with it. We also touched on leadership, reciprocal learning, and the significance of building strong relationships and connections.
In this episode, I invite you to ponder on:
What does critical reflection actually mean to you?
What do...2024-10-1738 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 31 : Barbi ClendiningBarbi Clendining has been in the education sector for more than 20 years as a teacher and a leader in Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC). Now, she is a co-founder of Firefly HR, a recruitment agency in NSW and a podcast co-host OSHC After the Bell. Barbi shared authentically of her journey of leadership and finding the right leadership that resonates with her. She said "I felt that I was doing it all wrong”- as her understanding of leadership is pre-contextualised from her own personal experiences and the understanding that leadership needs to be authoritative. She described her leadership st...2024-08-1257 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 31 : Barbi ClendiningBarbi Clendining has been in the education sector for more than 20 years as a teacher and a leader in Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC). Now, she is a co-founder of Firefly HR, a recruitment agency in NSW and a podcast co-host OSHC After the Bell.
Barbi shared authentically of her journey of leadership and finding the right leadership that resonates with her. She said "I felt that I was doing it all wrong”- as her understanding of leadership is pre-contextualised from her own personal experiences and the understanding that leadership needs to be authoritative.
...2024-08-1257 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 31 : Barbi ClendiningBarbi Clendining has been in the education sector for more than 20 years as a teacher and a leader in Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC). Now, she is a co-founder of Firefly HR, a recruitment agency in NSW and a podcast co-host OSHC After the Bell.
Barbi shared authentically of her journey of leadership and finding the right leadership that resonates with her. She said "I felt that I was doing it all wrong”- as her understanding of leadership is pre-contextualised from her own personal experiences and the understanding that leadership needs to be authoritative.
...2024-08-1257 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 30 : Vicky HengVicky Heng has been teaching for 10 years and has a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education from University of Queensland where she undertook the course in Malaysia and is now currently teaching in an international school as an Early Years Bilingual Teacher and Learning Innovation Coach in Kuala Lumpur. She spoke about the challenges navigating the knowledge and understanding of the Australian lens of Early Childhood Education and applying them in the Malaysian education system. We spoke about play based curriculum and how she has integrated the importance of play in a context where the education is primarily focus on academic a...2024-06-2540 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 30 : Vicky HengVicky Heng has been teaching for 10 years and has a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education from University of Queensland where she undertook the course in Malaysia and is now currently teaching in an international school as an Early Years Bilingual Teacher and Learning Innovation Coach in Kuala Lumpur.
She spoke about the challenges navigating the knowledge and understanding of the Australian lens of Early Childhood Education and applying them in the Malaysian education system. We spoke about play based curriculum and how she has integrated the importance of play in a context where the education is primarily f...2024-06-2540 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 30 : Vicky HengVicky Heng has been teaching for 10 years and has a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education from University of Queensland where she undertook the course in Malaysia and is now currently teaching in an international school as an Early Years Bilingual Teacher and Learning Innovation Coach in Kuala Lumpur.
She spoke about the challenges navigating the knowledge and understanding of the Australian lens of Early Childhood Education and applying them in the Malaysian education system. We spoke about play based curriculum and how she has integrated the importance of play in a context where the education is primarily f...2024-06-2540 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 29 : Nicola NoadNicola Noad was a primary teacher for 10 years and is now an owner of Play in the Past which centers around providing playful explorations with historical resources into classrooms for a hands on rich exposure to children’s learning. Nicola has shared with us deliberate and intentional languages that she uses when she’s teaching and how this exposure would extend children’s contextual and understandings of the learnings they are experiencing with. Today's episode, I invite you to reflect on: - What is play? And how often do we engage in play? - Have you unpacked the concept of play wi...2024-06-2137 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 29 : Nicola HoadNicola Hoad was a primary teacher for 10 years and is now an owner of Play in the Past which centers around providing playful explorations with historical resources into classrooms for a hands on rich exposure to children’s learning.
Nicola has shared with us deliberate and intentional languages that she uses when she’s teaching and how this exposure would extend children’s contextual and understandings of the learnings they are experiencing with.
Today's episode, I invite you to reflect on:
- What is play? And how often do we engage in play?
...2024-06-2137 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 29 : Nicola HoadNicola Hoad was a primary teacher for 10 years and is now an owner of Play in the Past which centers around providing playful explorations with historical resources into classrooms for a hands on rich exposure to children’s learning.
Nicola has shared with us deliberate and intentional languages that she uses when she’s teaching and how this exposure would extend children’s contextual and understandings of the learnings they are experiencing with.
Today's episode, I invite you to reflect on:
- What is play? And how often do we engage in play?
...2024-06-2137 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 28 : Belle SpillmanBelle Spillman has been in the early childhood sector for more than 20 years. She had a great career as a HR manager and her journey began when she struggled to find quality early learning services for her own children. This experience inspired her to study early childhood education and to provide high-quality early education for young people. Now she is a leader, mentor and has a consultancy business called Our Business Mentors.
Belle radiates as a leader who is passionate about people – children, families and educators. She emphasized the importance of knowing the people we work with an...2024-06-1043 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 28 : Belle SpillmanBelle Spillman has been in the early childhood sector for more than 20 years. She had a great career as a HR manager and her journey began when she struggled to find quality early learning services for her own children. This experience inspired her to study early childhood education and to provide high-quality early education for young people. Now she is a leader, mentor and has a consultancy business called Our Business Mentors.
Belle radiates as a leader who is passionate about people – children, families and educators. She emphasized the importance of knowing the people we work with an...2024-06-1043 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 28 : Belle SpillmanBelle Spillman has been in the early childhood sector for more than 20 years. She had a great career as a HR manager and her journey began when she struggled to find quality early learning services for her own children. This experience inspired her to study early childhood education and to provide high-quality early education for young people. Now she is a leader, mentor and has a consultancy business called Our Business Mentors. Belle radiates as a leader who is passionate about people – children, families and educators. She emphasized the importance of knowing the people we work with and offering curiosity ra...2024-06-1043 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 27: Donna SheppardDonna Sheppard has been in the education sector for 30 years. She began her career as a high school music teacher, studied for her bachelor’s degree while raising children, and is now the co-owner of a consultancy business called Back on Track Early Childhood Professionals.
Donna shared her journey, including the challenges she faced as a new teacher in the early childhood sector and her battle with breast cancer. She continued teaching during her treatment and being cancer-free fueled her passion and motivation to advocate for the sector, leading her to start Back on Track.
Th...2024-06-0643 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 27: Donna SheppardDonna Sheppard has been in the education sector for 30 years. She began her career as a high school music teacher, studied for her bachelor’s degree while raising children, and is now the co-owner of a consultancy business called Back on Track Early Childhood Professionals.
Donna shared her journey, including the challenges she faced as a new teacher in the early childhood sector and her battle with breast cancer. She continued teaching during her treatment and being cancer-free fueled her passion and motivation to advocate for the sector, leading her to start Back on Track.
Th...2024-06-0643 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 27: Donna SheppardDonna Sheppard has been in the education sector for 30 years. She began her career as a high school music teacher, studied for her bachelor’s degree while raising children, and is now the co-owner of a consultancy business called Back on Track Early Childhood Professionals. Donna shared her journey, including the challenges she faced as a new teacher in the early childhood sector and her battle with breast cancer. She continued teaching during her treatment and being cancer-free fueled her passion and motivation to advocate for the sector, leading her to start Back on Track. Throughout the recording, Donna spoke pa...2024-06-0643 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 26 : Mariela SilveraMariela Silvera has been in the early years sector for over 25 years and is now a certified mindfulness instructor and a certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner. In our conversation, she shared her honest experience of burnout and her struggles with mental health and well-being. She began her journey by self-learning meditation from YouTube videos and incorporating it into her daily routine.
Mariela spoke passionately about the importance of integrating well-being into early childhood curriculums as a foundational life skill for young people. Throughout the recording, she provided many practical examples of how we can introduce mindfulness...2024-05-2449 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 26 : Mariela SilveraMariela Silvera has been in the early years sector for over 25 years and is now a certified mindfulness instructor and a certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner. In our conversation, she shared her honest experience of burnout and her struggles with mental health and well-being. She began her journey by self-learning meditation from YouTube videos and incorporating it into her daily routine. Mariela spoke passionately about the importance of integrating well-being into early childhood curriculums as a foundational life skill for young people. Throughout the recording, she provided many practical examples of how we can introduce mindfulness to young children...2024-05-2449 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 26 : Mariela SilveraMariela Silvera has been in the early years sector for over 25 years and is now a certified mindfulness instructor and a certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner. In our conversation, she shared her honest experience of burnout and her struggles with mental health and well-being. She began her journey by self-learning meditation from YouTube videos and incorporating it into her daily routine.
Mariela spoke passionately about the importance of integrating well-being into early childhood curriculums as a foundational life skill for young people. Throughout the recording, she provided many practical examples of how we can introduce mindfulness...2024-05-2449 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 25 : Samantha BarrishSamantha Barrish has been in the sector for 30 years and is currently an early childhood teacher in NSW. Her focus this year is to say ‘yes’ to all opportunities of new challenges. We spoke about many things- her passion for the importance of relationships with families and risky play and her experience with sitting in the discomfort. She said it has been years and is still in the space of discomfort and spoke about how this honest reflection with herself translate to her own life and her teaching practices.
Guest speaker : Samantha Barrish @_the.unplugged.educa...2024-05-0544 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 25 : Samantha BarrishSamantha Barrish has been in the sector for 30 years and is currently an early childhood teacher in NSW. Her focus this year is to say ‘yes’ to all opportunities of new challenges. We spoke about many things- her passion for the importance of relationships with families and risky play and her experience with sitting in the discomfort. She said it has been years and is still in the space of discomfort and spoke about how this honest reflection with herself translate to her own life and her teaching practices.
Guest speaker : Samantha Barrish @_the.unplugged.educa...2024-05-0544 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 24 : Samantha BarrishSamantha Barrish has been in the sector for 30 years and is currently an early childhood teacher in NSW. Her focus this year is to say ‘yes’ to all opportunities of new challenges. We spoke about many things- her passion for the importance of relationships with families and risky play and her experience with sitting in the discomfort. She said it has been years and is still in the space of discomfort and spoke about how this honest reflection with herself translate to her own life and her teaching practices. Guest speaker : Samantha Barrish @_the.unplugged.educator_ (https://www.instagram.com/_the.u...2024-05-0544 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 24: Anne GordanAnne Gordan has been in the education sector for more than 30 years. She started as a high school science teacher and is now a lecturer and consultant in the early childhood space.
Anne has shared with us her love and passion for STEM and how she has integrated it into her practices even as a mum and grandma to a relational, contextualised play based inquiry. Her fascination on children’s theory really shapes her pedagogy and the questions that she presented to children that opens up to the idea of imagination and wondering and have shared with us...2024-04-2450 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 24: Anne GordanAnne Gordan has been in the education sector for more than 30 years. She started as a high school science teacher and is now a lecturer and consultant in the early childhood space.
Anne has shared with us her love and passion for STEM and how she has integrated it into her practices even as a mum and grandma to a relational, contextualised play based inquiry. Her fascination on children’s theory really shapes her pedagogy and the questions that she presented to children that opens up to the idea of imagination and wondering and have shared with us...2024-04-2450 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 24: Anne GordanAnne Gordan has been in the education sector for more than 30 years. She started as a high school science teacher and is now a lecturer and consultant in the early childhood space. Anne has shared with us her love and passion for STEM and how she has integrated it into her practices even as a mum and grandma to a relational, contextualised play based inquiry. Her fascination on children’s theory really shapes her pedagogy and the questions that she presented to children that opens up to the idea of imagination and wondering and have shared with us the language and...2024-04-2450 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 23 : Rachel SmithRachel Smith is a Family Day Care educator based in a small town of 25 houses in Konorgong, NSW. She has been awarded Educator of the Year in 2020 and 2023 by Family Day Care Australia and recently been nominated for Women Changing the World Award.
She is a perfect example of rising from adversity. Being through with personal and professional challenges she has an inspiring ability to self-reflect and motivate herself and others. She shared her recent blog post in Out of the Box blog page by 'baring it all' with the challenges she faced and that post have...2024-03-2249 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 23 : Rachel SmithRachel Smith is a Family Day Care educator based in a small town of 25 houses in Konorgong, NSW. She has been awarded Educator of the Year in 2020 and 2023 by Family Day Care Australia and recently been nominated for Women Changing the World Award.
She is a perfect example of rising from adversity. Being through with personal and professional challenges she has an inspiring ability to self-reflect and motivate herself and others. She shared her recent blog post in Out of the Box blog page by 'baring it all' with the challenges she faced and that post have...2024-03-2249 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 23 : Rachel SmithRachel Smith is a Family Day Care educator based in a small town of 25 houses in Konorgong, NSW. She has been awarded Educator of the Year in 2020 and 2023 by Family Day Care Australia and recently been nominated for Women Changing the World Award. She is a perfect example of rising from adversity. Being through with personal and professional challenges she has an inspiring ability to self-reflect and motivate herself and others. She shared her recent blog post in Out of the Box blog page by 'baring it all' with the challenges she faced and that post have reached, inspired and...2024-03-2249 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 22 : Leanne KapetanovskiLeanne Kapetanovski has worked in the sector for 33 years. She has worn many hats and taken on many leadership role from being a centre Director and a Preschool Field Officer.
We spoke in depth about change and how Leanne shares how she navigates when changes happens and was honest that she didn't like change and reflected on the discomfort. She shared some thought processes that she considers when is reflecting of the change and priority she place for the children and families as she considers on the impact of change that it can bring.
...2024-03-0840 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 22 : Leanne KapetanovskiLeanne Kapetanovski has worked in the sector for 33 years. She has worn many hats and taken on many leadership role from being a centre Director and a Preschool Field Officer.
We spoke in depth about change and how Leanne shares how she navigates when changes happens and was honest that she didn't like change and reflected on the discomfort. She shared some thought processes that she considers when is reflecting of the change and priority she place for the children and families as she considers on the impact of change that it can bring.
...2024-03-0840 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 22 : Leanne KapetanovskiLeanne Kapetanovski has worked in the sector for 33 years. She has worn many hats and taken on many leadership role from being a centre Director and a Preschool Field Officer. We spoke in depth about change and how Leanne shares how she navigates when changes happens and was honest that she didn't like change and reflected on the discomfort. She shared some thought processes that she considers when is reflecting of the change and priority she place for the children and families as she considers on the impact of change that it can bring. Guest speaker : Leanne Kapetanovski Host: Dee Suv...2024-03-0840 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 21 : Carrie RoseCarrie Rose has been in the sector for 35 years and is a founder of The Rose Way consultancy. Carrie spoke about her challenges in her early days as a teacher and with working with people with different dispositions and pedagogical practices. She shared her reflection of her own traits and how it influences her relationship with people, her leadership style and the drive to the continual motivation after 35 years in the sector. And shared her latest passion and advocacy work on the access to quality of education for all children in Australia.
Reflections to ponder fo...2024-02-2257 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 21 : Carrie RoseCarrie Rose has been in the sector for 35 years and is a founder of The Rose Way consultancy. Carrie spoke about her challenges in her early days as a teacher and with working with people with different dispositions and pedagogical practices. She shared her reflection of her own traits and how it influences her relationship with people, her leadership style and the drive to the continual motivation after 35 years in the sector. And shared her latest passion and advocacy work on the access to quality of education for all children in Australia.
Reflections to ponder fo...2024-02-2257 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 21 : Carrie RoseCarrie Rose has been in the sector for 35 years and is a founder of The Rose Way consultancy. Carrie spoke about her challenges in her early days as a teacher and with working with people with different dispositions and pedagogical practices. She shared her reflection of her own traits and how it influences her relationship with people, her leadership style and the drive to the continual motivation after 35 years in the sector. And shared her latest passion and advocacy work on the access to quality of education for all children in Australia. Reflections to ponder for this episode: What does qua...2024-02-2257 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 20 : Sarah Louise GandolfoSarah Louise is an exceptional leader and advocator for the Early Years Sector and have many years of experiences within the sector with multiple roles and leadership hats. She is now a consultant and founder of Learning to Lead in Early Childhood. Sarah Louise talks about Kind Leadership vs Nice Leadership and discussed what burnout can look like. She spoke passionately about her Social Justice advocacy work and shared with us behind her 'why' on continuing the work that she does within the Early Childhood Sector.
Resources:
Rogers, M. (2023, April 18). Early educators around the...2023-12-1451 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 20 : Sarah Louise GandolfoSarah Louise is an exceptional leader and advocator for the Early Years Sector and have many years of experiences within the sector with multiple roles and leadership hats. Shas now a consultant and founder of Learning to Lead in Early Childhood. Sarah Louise talks about Kind Leadership vs Nice Leadership and discussed what burnout can look like. She spoke passionately about her Social Justice advocacy work and shared with us behind her 'why' on continuing the work that she does within the Early Childhood Sector. Resources: Rogers, M. (2023, April 18). Early educators around the world feel burned out and devalued: Here is...2023-12-1451 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 20 : Sarah Louise GandolfoSarah Louise is an exceptional leader and advocator for the Early Years Sector and have many years of experiences within the sector with multiple roles and leadership hats. She is now a consultant and founder of Learning to Lead in Early Childhood. Sarah Louise talks about Kind Leadership vs Nice Leadership and discussed what burnout can look like. She spoke passionately about her Social Justice advocacy work and shared with us behind her 'why' on continuing the work that she does within the Early Childhood Sector.
Resources:
Rogers, M. (2023, April 18). Early educators around the...2023-12-1451 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 19 : Anson LiAnson Li has been working within the Education sector for more than 10 years. He has a unique teaching background teaching in Secondary Education before transitioning into the early childhood sector. In this episode, we spoke about his journey and how he is constantly evolving as a teacher and as an individual. Throughout the recording, Anson demonstrated how deeply comfortable he is in being honest, open and reflective on his own self. In the introduction, I spoke about Johari Window Model and looked at how Anson kept his window open for himself and to us as he reflected on his own e...2023-09-1954 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 19 : Anson LiAnson Li has been working within the Education sector for more than 10 years. He has a unique teaching background teaching in Secondary Education before transitioning into the early childhood sector.
In this episode, we spoke about his journey and how he is constantly evolving as a teacher and as an individual. Throughout the recording, Anson demonstrated how deeply comfortable he is in being honest, open and reflective on his own self.
In the introduction, I spoke about Johari Window Model and looked at how Anson kept his window open for himself and to us as h...2023-09-1954 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 19 : Anson LiAnson Li has been working within the Education sector for more than 10 years. He has a unique teaching background teaching in Secondary Education before transitioning into the early childhood sector.
In this episode, we spoke about his journey and how he is constantly evolving as a teacher and as an individual. Throughout the recording, Anson demonstrated how deeply comfortable he is in being honest, open and reflective on his own self.
In the introduction, I spoke about Johari Window Model and looked at how Anson kept his window open for himself and to us as h...2023-09-1954 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 18 : Darren HalimDarren Halim who have worked in the EC sector for 5 years. He has share with us his personal experiences as a male educator, shedding light on the profound influence that small gestures, nuances in tone, and word choices shapes our approach to inclusivity and equity within the sector. We reflected on how well we do as teachers in fostering an inclusive environment for children and engage in numerous conversations around gender inclusivity, there remains a missed or limited opportunity to extend this reflective thinking to our colleagues, families, and broader communities.
Resources:
National Ass...2023-08-2949 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 18 : Darren HalimDarren Halim who have worked in the EC sector for 5 years. He has share with us his personal experiences as a male educator, shedding light on the profound influence that small gestures, nuances in tone, and word choices shapes our approach to inclusivity and equity within the sector. We reflected on how well we do as teachers in fostering an inclusive environment for children and engage in numerous conversations around gender inclusivity, there remains a missed or limited opportunity to extend this reflective thinking to our colleagues, families, and broader communities.
Resources:
National Ass...2023-08-2949 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 18 : Darren HalimDarren Halim who have worked in the EC sector for 5 years. He has share with us his personal experiences as a male educator, shedding light on the profound influence that small gestures, nuances in tone, and word choices shapes our approach to inclusivity and equity within the sector. We reflected on how well we do as teachers in fostering an inclusive environment for children and engage in numerous conversations around gender inclusivity, there remains a missed or limited opportunity to extend this reflective thinking to our colleagues, families, and broader communities. Resources: National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2019). Equi...2023-08-2949 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 17 : Shelli GiosisShelli Giosis has been working in the EC sector for 30 years and stills carries the light of passion, enthusiasm and love for EC. She talks about all things that inspires her and how even after 30 years she still lots of learn. She invites us to join on to the 'train' of excitement. Start talking about what you are doing to others. Listen to yourself and get excited about the things that you are doing. Because when you are excited, the children gets excited and the energy translates to the team, families and the whole community of learning.
2023-08-1039 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 17 : Shelli GiosisShelli Giosis has been working in the EC sector for 30 years and stills carries the light of passion, enthusiasm and love for EC. She talks about all things that inspires her and how even after 30 years she still lots of learn. She invites us to join on to the 'train' of excitement. Start talking about what you are doing to others. Listen to yourself and get excited about the things that you are doing. Because when you are excited, the children gets excited and the energy translates to the team, families and the whole community of learning.
2023-08-1039 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 17 : Shelli GiosisShelli Giosis has been working in the EC sector for 30 years and stills carries the light of passion, enthusiasm and love for EC. She talks about all things that inspires her and how even after 30 years she still lots of learn. She invites us to join on to the 'train' of excitement. Start talking about what you are doing to others. Listen to yourself and get excited about the things that you are doing. Because when you are excited, the children gets excited and the energy translates to the team, families and the whole community of learning. Guest: Shelli Giosis H...2023-08-1039 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 16: Joanne TanJoanne Tan has been working in the EC sector for 3 years and is from Indonesia. She spoke about the concept of sense of belonging and the complexities as migrants to find a space of belonging in a new country and in a new work environment. Joanne talks about how she feels to ‘fit in’ and often feeling intimidated by her colleagues who were all white Anglo-saxon Australian. She spoke about her journey of keeping her values and cultural identity close to her as she navigates herself into her teaching journey.
Guest: Joanne Tan
Host...2023-07-2541 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 16: Joanne TanJoanne Tan has been working in the EC sector for 3 years and is from Indonesia. She spoke about the concept of sense of belonging and the complexities as migrants to find a space of belonging in a new country and in a new work environment. Joanne talks about how she feels to ‘fit in’ and often feeling intimidated by her colleagues who were all white Anglo-saxon Australian. She spoke about her journey of keeping her values and cultural identity close to her as she navigates herself into her teaching journey. Guest: Joanne Tan Host: Dee Suvanmani Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast2023-07-2541 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 16: Joanne TanJoanne Tan has been working in the EC sector for 3 years and is from Indonesia. She spoke about the concept of sense of belonging and the complexities as migrants to find a space of belonging in a new country and in a new work environment. Joanne talks about how she feels to ‘fit in’ and often feeling intimidated by her colleagues who were all white Anglo-saxon Australian. She spoke about her journey of keeping her values and cultural identity close to her as she navigates herself into her teaching journey.
Guest: Joanne Tan
Host...2023-07-2541 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 15 : Hakea HustlerHakea Hustler is an award winning author of co-written books of Black Cockatoo, My Deadly Boots, Tracks of the Missing. She is also the co-owner of The Remote Teacher website providing resources to support teachers in remote community. She has passion for supporting and bringing teachers working in remote communities together. Successful teachers = positive outcomes for children and young people.
"Sometimes we don’t realise that we have a story in us and through the connection and collaboration that we do with others that we do have something worthwhile sharing" (Hakea Hustler).
Guest: Hakea...2023-07-1344 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 15 : Hakea HustlerHakea Hustler is an award winning author of co-written books of Black Cockatoo, My Deadly Boots, Tracks of the Missing. She is also the co-owner of The Remote Teacher website providing resources to support teachers in remote community. She has passion for supporting and bringing teachers working in remote communities together. Successful teachers = positive outcomes for children and young people. "Sometimes we don’t realise that we have a story in us and through the connection and collaboration that we do with others that we do have something worthwhile sharing" (Hakea Hustler). Guest: Hakea Hustler The Remote Teacher website and resou...2023-07-1344 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 15 : Hakea HustlerHakea Hustler is an award winning author of co-written books of Black Cockatoo, My Deadly Boots, Tracks of the Missing. She is also the co-owner of The Remote Teacher website providing resources to support teachers in remote community. She has passion for supporting and bringing teachers working in remote communities together. Successful teachers = positive outcomes for children and young people.
"Sometimes we don’t realise that we have a story in us and through the connection and collaboration that we do with others that we do have something worthwhile sharing" (Hakea Hustler).
Guest: Hakea...2023-07-1344 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 14: Jessica StainesJessica Staines, founder of Koori Curriculum is an advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have brought a lot of culture awareness and education on respectfully embedding First Nation’s perspectives specifically in early childhood education sector. Jessica spoke about the comfort in the discomfort of questing our practices as well as the importance of knowing The Framework and legislative well when we are advocating for social justice and children’s rights to use them as a guide in our reflective practice.
Link to Koori Curriculum website: https://kooricurriculum.com/
2023-07-0142 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 14: Jessica StainesJessica Staines, founder of Koori Curriculum is an advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have brought a lot of culture awareness and education on respectfully embedding First Nation’s perspectives specifically in early childhood education sector. Jessica spoke about the comfort in the discomfort of questing our practices as well as the importance of knowing The Framework and legislative well when we are advocating for social justice and children’s rights to use them as a guide in our reflective practice.
Link to Koori Curriculum website: https://kooricurriculum.com/
2023-07-0142 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 13 : Lynette TahLynette Tah is an amazing, passionate and well articulated leader. Her journey is so inspiring as she has moved countries to find happiness. She spoke about the importance of reflective questions and how she unpacks her own vulnerabilities by questioning herself. Lynette is the perfect example to find the space where you belongs- somewhere that aligns with your values and beliefs – which in return is a space for you to grow and thrive.
2023-05-2542 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 13 : Lynette TahLynette Tah is an amazing, passionate and well articulated leader. Her journey is so inspiring as she has moved countries to find happiness. She spoke about the importance of reflective questions and how she unpacks her own vulnerabilities by questioning herself. Lynette is the perfect example to find the space where you belongs- somewhere that aligns with your values and beliefs – which in return is a space for you to grow and thrive.
2023-05-2542 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 12 : Eliza LeeEliza Lee has been working in the sector for more than 30 years, starting off as a Mothercraft nurse and now is working in a rural community kindergarten. With all the years of experiences and knowledge under her belt, Eliza still radiates passion and open to new learnings in early childhood.
2023-04-2534 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 12 : Eliza LeeEliza Lee has been working in the sector for more than 30 years, starting off as a Mothercraft nurse and now is working in a rural community kindergarten. With all the years of experiences and knowledge under her belt, Eliza still radiates passion and open to new learnings in early childhood.
2023-04-2534 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 11 : Anna ZhangAnna Zhang is currently teaching in a non for profit early learning centre in Sydney. She spoke about her passion in early childhood which stems from her mentor who she had an amazing connection with during placement. Anna has a deep appreciation to the honest and constrictive feedback she had received and more importantly this has been a drive to achieve a high quality of education and leadership in her current practice. See below on the many advocacy projects which she mentioned in the episode:
EduObs: www.EduObs.com ( empower early childhood teachers with technology).
YouTube Channel: https://www...2023-04-2446 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 11 : Anna ZhangAnna Zhang is currently teaching in a non for profit early learning centre in Sydney. She spoke about her passion in early childhood which stems from her mentor who she had an amazing connection with during placement. Anna has a deep appreciation to the honest and constrictive feedback she had received and more importantly this has been a drive to achieve a high quality of education and leadership in her current practice. See below on the many advocacy projects which she mentioned in the episode:
EduObs: www.EduObs.com ( empower early childhood teachers with technology).
YouTube Channel: https://www...2023-04-2446 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 10 : Laura Kerr & Jessica BrancaLaura Kerr and Jessica Branca have both worked together 4 years ago in an early learning centre. They are both pocket rocket filled with passion for early childhood education and their energy is infectious. They spoke about their drive for advocacy for children and how it translates into their curriculum and pedagogies by pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box but yet still delivering it within the policies and regulations.
2023-04-0659 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 10 : Laura Kerr & Jessica BrancaLaura Kerr and Jessica Branca have both worked together 4 years ago in an early learning centre. They are both pocket rocket filled with passion for early childhood education and their energy is infectious. They spoke about their drive for advocacy for children and how it translates into their curriculum and pedagogies by pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box but yet still delivering it within the policies and regulations.
2023-04-0659 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 9: Rachael McBrienRachael McBrien is a centre director, educational leader and kindergarten teacher in a centre in Merribek. Racheal has a wonderful perspectives of positive outlook and highlighted that even she has been in the sector for more than 10 years, she still have the ability to reflect within herself, her team and her community and the openness to unpacking the practices and implementations within the centre and practices.
2023-04-0457 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 9: Rachael McBrienRachael McBrien is a centre director, educational leader and kindergarten teacher in a centre in Merribek. Racheal has a wonderful perspectives of positive outlook and highlighted that even she has been in the sector for more than 10 years, she still have the ability to reflect within herself, her team and her community and the openness to unpacking the practices and implementations within the centre and practices.
2023-04-0457 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 8 : Rajy XavierRajy Xavier has a Degree in Electrical engineering and a Masters in education. Her passion for science and children has shaped her pedagogical teaching practices. She has given us some great ideas on embedding STEM education in early childhood context and highlights the importance of embedding it in our everyday practices with children.
2023-03-1445 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 8 : Rajy XavierRajy Xavier has a Degree in Electrical engineering and a Masters in education. Her passion for science and children has shaped her pedagogical teaching practices. She has given us some great ideas on embedding STEM education in early childhood context and highlights the importance of embedding it in our everyday practices with children.
2023-03-1445 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 7 : Fiona YeIn this episode, I sat down with Fiona Ye who is a kindergarten teacher in a small non for profit centre in Fairfield. Fiona spoke about her own experiences navigating the big ocean of early childhood and how she tackled the sharks swimming around her as a new beginning teacher. She also spoke very openly about the failures in her professional journey- and very inspiringly, she embraced them and used them as tools to improve her practices.
2022-12-0148 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 7 : Fiona YeIn this episode, I sat down with Fiona Ye who is a kindergarten teacher in a small non for profit centre in Fairfield. Fiona spoke about her own experiences navigating the big ocean of early childhood and how she tackled the sharks swimming around her as a new beginning teacher. She also spoke very openly about the failures in her professional journey- and very inspiringly, she embraced them and used them as tools to improve her practices.
2022-12-0148 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 6: Dorianne PrinziDorianne Prinzi has been working in the sector for 20 years now and she is currently a Preschool Field Officer at Merri-Bek Council (previously known as Moreland). She spoke about her journey in the different roles she has been in and how privileged she is in the connections she had with families and children. She also unpacked the evolution of growth she has undertaken (and is still going) and how she is always looking at the positives when faced with adversity.
2022-10-0346 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 6: Dorianne PrinziDorianne Prinzi has been working in the sector for 20 years now and she is currently a Preschool Field Officer at Merri-Bek Council (previously known as Moreland). She spoke about her journey in the different roles she has been in and how privileged she is in the connections she had with families and children. She also unpacked the evolution of growth she has undertaken (and is still going) and how she is always looking at the positives when faced with adversity.
2022-10-0346 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 5: Rita RavidaRita Ravida is a Director and Kindergarten Teacher in a community based sessional kindergarten at Newlands Preschool and has been in the Early Years sector for 30 years. She spoke deeply and passionately about two things that she has combined -Reirki and Early Childhood Education and how she has made it her own over the years as she evolve into the teacher she is today.
2022-08-2748 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 5: Rita RavidaRita Ravida is a Director and Kindergarten Teacher in a community based sessional kindergarten at Newlands Preschool and has been in the Early Years sector for 30 years. She spoke deeply and passionately about two things that she has combined -Reirki and Early Childhood Education and how she has made it her own over the years as she evolve into the teacher she is today.
2022-08-2748 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 4: Neha JainNeha Jain spoke about her work that is very close to her. She created a Playgroup called ‘Desi tunes with Neha’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/533944567297600/) and has also wrote an article for parents 'Talking to Kids About Race' (https://www.indianlink.com.au/lifestyle/talking-to-kids-about-race/)
2022-07-1453 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 4: Neha JainNeha Jain spoke about her work that is very close to her. She created a Playgroup called ‘Desi tunes with Neha’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/533944567297600/) and has also wrote an article for parents 'Talking to Kids About Race' (https://www.indianlink.com.au/lifestyle/talking-to-kids-about-race/)
2022-07-1453 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 3: Alison GibbonsEpisode 3
Alison Gibbons shared her journey of working towards reflection and adversity but more importantly her positive attitude and optimism are inspiring. She spoke about how this positive attitude has enabled her to challenge and persist through difficult journeys. Alison was raw in sharing her tough and uncomfortable moments as she motivates others to be raw to themselves and embrace mistakes -see things in a different angle and then try again.
2022-05-1153 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 3: Alison GibbonsEpisode 3
Alison Gibbons shared her journey of working towards reflection and adversity but more importantly her positive attitude and optimism are inspiring. She spoke about how this positive attitude has enabled her to challenge and persist through difficult journeys. Alison was raw in sharing her tough and uncomfortable moments as she motivates others to be raw to themselves and embrace mistakes -see things in a different angle and then try again.
2022-05-1153 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 2 : Rosana MartinEpisode 2
Rosana Martin shared her journey in understanding the Australian First Nation histories and years in-making, she has passionately led her center's Reconciliation Action Plan. She gave an insight on why it is importance to do so now, especially in early childhood; shared the struggles she has and the uncomfortable truth in working with people as well as great resources that has helped her in embedding Aboriginal perspectives in Early Childhood settings.
2022-03-2844 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 2 : Rosana MartinEpisode 2
Rosana Martin shared her journey in understanding the Australian First Nation histories and years in-making, she has passionately led her center's Reconciliation Action Plan. She gave an insight on why it is importance to do so now, especially in early childhood; shared the struggles she has and the uncomfortable truth in working with people as well as great resources that has helped her in embedding Aboriginal perspectives in Early Childhood settings.
2022-03-2844 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 1 : Victoria KennedyEpisode 1
I spoke with Victoria Kennedy on her journey and transition into a kindergarten teacher. She spoke about her passion for Outdoor Education and shared on her challenges and her "very slow" learning journey when it comes to advocating for herself, children and the sector. She also shared how she embraced her failures and models them with children.
2022-03-0949 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationEpisode 1 : Victoria KennedyEpisode 1
I spoke with Victoria Kennedy on her journey and transition into a kindergarten teacher. She spoke about her passion for Outdoor Education and shared on her challenges and her "very slow" learning journey when it comes to advocating for herself, children and the sector. She also shared how she embraced her failures and models them with children.
2022-03-0949 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationTeaching Journey : IntroductionTeaching Journey : Introduction to Podcast
2022-02-1700 minTeaching Journey : Connecting through Early EducationTeaching Journey : IntroductionTeaching Journey : Introduction to Podcast
2022-02-1700 min