11 Aussies Share What They Love About Being Early Educators

Early Educators Day is a special day to thank all of our educators for their capability to influence young minds positively. Frankly, I think we should be thanking them everyday! Not only do they encourage the development and growth during the important stages of a child’s life but they are making each and every day exciting and memorable. 

At this point, I've been heavily involved in the childcare industry for over three years. However, in this time, I’ve barely scratched the surface of what it takes to be an Early Childhood Educator.  For the past few weeks, I’ve been on the virtual field and asked our Early Childhood Heroes to interview their educators with three simple (or maybe, not so simple) questions. 

I was curious about a lot of the aspects of their roles but the first thought that came to my mind was what inspired them to choose this path and how did they make it their calling? For many young adults, a career in the office would be the normal road to take. However, for these early education heroes, something else pulled them to a more dynamic and rewarding career. 

What inspired you to be an Early Childhood Educator?

“I believe that everyone deserves the right to a meaningful and relevant education in an inspiring environment. Therefore, the person who truly inspired me was my mother. I was born overseas and did not have the opportunity to attend school during my earliest years. But that didn’t hinder nor disadvantage my ability to grow and learn…My childhood and my mother’s perseverance and dedication inspired me to go into education allowing my journey ahead to be much clearer than ever. I want to become a small symbol of inspiration and hope for young children to develop a lifetime love of learning and the possibility of a bright clear future.” 
Miss Mariam – Barangaroo Montessori Academy  

“I went to Kinder when I was four years old, and I can remember my teachers and my Kindergarten vividly. The impact that my teachers had on me was lifelong and I want to share the same with today’s children.” 
Miss Amy – Platypus Junction Mulgrave 

“I want to be there. I do believe that the first five years of a child’s life is the most important stage and I want to be there for them. Guiding and supporting them in their growth and development. Being present in that journey as a teacher, laying a solid foundation for others to build on in their life-long learning, is such an achievement and inspiration.” 
Miss Florife – Milestones Early Learning Raby 

Montessori Academy

In every career, professional development is implemented in stages; such as to learn new skills or update yourself with the latest trends and technology. A career in Early Childhood works a little differently. Not only are you learning from your peers, but you learn from the children as well. They are so unique, open-minded and misunderstood – every move they make is something new to anyone.  

What have you learned in your time as an Early Childhood Educator? 

“In terms of the children, I’ve learnt that every single child learns and reacts differently, what works for one child might not work for another and that is okay.”  
Miss Nadia – Platypus Junction Mulgrave 

“How to be patient & understanding with numerous situations. Small things and gestures can make a huge difference” 
Miss Chantelle – Erina Kindergarten 

“EVERYTHING….I have learnt the value of teamwork, I have leant about the impact I have on a child’s life. The way I teach and educate children has really grown and changed over the years. I have personally grown in my role as an educator and am now also an Educational Leader. I have also learnt what an impact I have had on other educators.” 
Miss Rachael – Papilio Early Learning Pitt Town 

“Whilst learning is important, building positive & emotional connections with the children is also incredibly critical in the early stages of life.” 
Miss Tylah – Erina Kindergarten 

 
Erina Kindergarten 

I’m sure if I asked this question to any educator – the answers would be endless! This appreciation blog could go on for days! So we chose our favourite and most touching ones that we thought everyone would enjoy. 

What is your favourite thing about being an Early Childhood Educator? 

“My favourite thing would be how happy the children honestly make me. I love coming into work and seeing their beautiful happy smiles. I love that they want to be loved unconditionally by their teachers and thrive off what we teach them. I love to learn new things here as it is a constant learning ball in this industry.” 
Miss Elicia – Lane Cove Montessori Academy 

“Without a doubt, working with the children and their families and watching how much they grow. I get to watch this from outside the classrooms now and it is incredible how far a child comes in just a few months – watching them graduate and head to school is a whole other story!” 
Miss Theresa – Shepherds Bay Montessori Academy 

“The waves you ride to assist children in their learning. Sharing the wow moments with the children and being a part of their ongoing learning journey.” 
Miss Shannon – Platypus Junction Mulgrave 

“Seeing children learn and develop. I have actually had the experience of the children growing up and remembering me as their teacher and the influence I had on them.  That is really special.” 
Miss Deb – Papilio Early Learning Pitt Town 

Papilio Early Learning Pitt Town

And there you have it – a million and one reasons why we should be appreciating educators every day.  

Look out for our Influential Women in Early Childhood series coming soon!

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