Feeling unchallenged and looking for new professional learning opportunities, Rachael McBrien, director and educational leader of Fawkner Kindergarten, applied to take part in the Victorian Educational Leadership Program (VELP) in October 2023.
The free program includes 2 micro-credentialed course options available to all educational leaders in Victorian government-funded kindergarten services. Applications for the Term 2, 2025, program close on Friday 28 February.
Rachael, who has been a teacher for 29 years, was hoping to strengthen her abilities as a pedagogical leader.
‘Pedagogy was a word that mystified me,’ Rachael said.
‘Pedagogy can be so broad in early childhood. I wanted to confidently be a pedagogical leader as part of my educational leader role.’
Inspiring her vision for the future
Taking part in VELP prompted Rachael to reflect on her leadership style. It gave her new tools to use in her role and developed her ability to source and use professional readings and resources.
Rachael also valued the opportunity to meet other leaders in the early childhood sector.
‘As a profession, early childhood is so diverse,' Rachael said.
‘Early childhood professionals all bring a variety of experience, knowledge and skills to their roles. As a community, we are so willing to share our experiences, knowledge and practices.’
Through VELP, Rachael developed an action-research project focused on embedding First Nations’ perspectives in kindergarten programs across her centre.
‘I am hoping that participation from educators will promote working as a team and give educators the confidence to embed First Nations’ perspectives and knowledges,’ Rachael said.
After completing the program, Rachael said she felt ‘energised’ and is confident her improved leadership skills will have a flow-on effect to her team and the children and families in her centre.
Rachael encourages educators considering applying for the program to ‘be brave and step outside your comfort zone’.
Registration timeline
VELP is running again in terms 2 and 3, 2025. Registrations for Term 2 are currently open, with expressions of interest closing on 6 pm Friday 28 February 2025.
Registrations for Term 3 will open in March 2025.
Keep an eye out for more information in future editions of Early Childhood Update.
Find out more
For more information, refer to the Victorian Educational Leadership Program.
Updated