Teaching Journey : Connecting through Early Education https://teachingjourney.podbean.com Join Dee on exploring the journey of different amazing everyday early childhood educators on unpacking their teaching identity. Each episode will dive into their challenges, triumphs, inspirations and motivations of theses teachers’ journey on how they find their confidence, pedagogy and sense of belonging in the world of early education. https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:04:01 +1000 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en au Copyright 2022 All rights reserved. Education:Self-Improvement 1440 episodic Each episode will dive into their challenges, triumphs, inspirations and motivations of theses teachers’ journey on how they find their confidence, pedagogy and sense of belonging in the world of early education. Dee Suvanmani Dee Suvanmani No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/13465979/Teaching-Journey-Logo.jpg Teaching Journey : Connecting through Early Education https://teachingjourney.podbean.com 144 144 Episode 35 : Valentina Caputo Episode 35 : Valentina Caputo https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-35-valentina-caputo/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-35-valentina-caputo/#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:04:01 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/59216a3c-bb12-3aa0-872f-307e6614d744 Valentina 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 privileged play, and are they relevant in all contexts?
  • Does privileged play equate to freedom in play?
  • Are these concepts fluid and interchangeable?
  • And importantly, how do we ensure all children have access to the privileges of play?

 

Guest speaker : Valentina Caputo 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-caputo-92601a125/

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Valentina 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 privileged play, and are they relevant in all contexts?
  • Does privileged play equate to freedom in play?
  • Are these concepts fluid and interchangeable?
  • And importantly, how do we ensure all children have access to the privileges of play?

 

Guest speaker : Valentina Caputo 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-caputo-92601a125/

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3056 36 full Episode 34 : Ren Wenas Episode 34 : Ren Wenas https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-34-ren-wenas/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-34-ren-wenas/#comments Mon, 05 May 2025 14:25:13 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/3b209e0e-70ea-300a-8ea7-b4b5e86752d9 Ren 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 shifted over time, and how he remains open to change as part of his daily work.

Reflective questions on perfectionism that you can consider as you listen to Ren's stories: 

  • What expectations am I holding onto?

  • What would it feel like to let go of the need for things to be “perfect”?

  • How might embracing imperfection open up new possibilities in my teaching?

  • And what would you say to a friend who might feel frustrated at themselves—could you say that to you?

 

Guest speaker : Ren Wenas @renwenas https://www.linkedin.com/in/renwenas/

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Ren 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 shifted over time, and how he remains open to change as part of his daily work.

Reflective questions on perfectionism that you can consider as you listen to Ren's stories: 

  • What expectations am I holding onto?

  • What would it feel like to let go of the need for things to be “perfect”?

  • How might embracing imperfection open up new possibilities in my teaching?

  • And what would you say to a friend who might feel frustrated at themselves—could you say that to you?

 

Guest speaker : Ren Wenas @renwenas https://www.linkedin.com/in/renwenas/

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3306 35 full Episode 33 : Dr. Rachel Foster Episode 33 : Dr. Rachel Foster https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-33-dr-rachel-foster/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-33-dr-rachel-foster/#comments Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:05:46 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/a5197e1a-eff5-3874-86fa-3ad3baef293c Dr. 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 and why it is important to question in inner dialogue of discomfort. 

 

In this episode, I invite you to ponder on:

  • What do you need to effectively perform your roles and responsibilities in the leadership that you have undertaken?
  •  What do you want in the skills of building towards your leadership capabilities?
  • What does it look like in action – for you to work towards to and for your support network or organisation to provide as you built towards your leadership capabilities?

Resource:

Foster, R.. (2023). Recently Appointed Leaders in Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa New Zealand : The Quest for Useful Knowledge and Social Connection [Prof Doc Thesis]. Australian Catholic University Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education Faculty of Education and Arts https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/researcher/8yz24/rachel-foster

 

Guest speaker : Dr. Rachel Foster 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Dr. 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 and why it is important to question in inner dialogue of discomfort. 

 

In this episode, I invite you to ponder on:

  • What do you need to effectively perform your roles and responsibilities in the leadership that you have undertaken?
  •  What do you want in the skills of building towards your leadership capabilities?
  • What does it look like in action – for you to work towards to and for your support network or organisation to provide as you built towards your leadership capabilities?

Resource:

Foster, R.. (2023). Recently Appointed Leaders in Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa New Zealand : The Quest for Useful Knowledge and Social Connection [Prof Doc Thesis]. Australian Catholic University Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education Faculty of Education and Arts https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/researcher/8yz24/rachel-foster

 

Guest speaker : Dr. Rachel Foster 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2481 34 full Episode 32 : Jenna Close Episode 32 : Jenna Close https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-32-jenna-close/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-32-jenna-close/#comments Thu, 17 Oct 2024 23:02:06 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/57af9404-3ece-337c-9b58-d922919ee5bf Jenna 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 for you?
  • How often do you engage in deep, honest reflection?
  • Do you document or keep track of your reflections?
  • Do you share them with others?
  • Do you notice how your body responds during reflection?
  • And, how often do you revisit and celebrate the journey of reflection?

Resources:

radical.sw. (2020, September 2). Emotional Regulation [Instagram photo]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/radical.sw/p/CEsHV77j4pB/

Dabell, J. (2018, August 12). Models of reflection. John Dabell. https://johndabell.com/2018/08/12/models-of-reflection-2/

Smyth, J. (1991). Critical reflection on classroom practice [Figure 3]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Critical-reflection-on-classroom-practice-Smyth-1991_fig3_270762112

 

Guest speaker : Jenna Close @aroha.and.ako

https://www.instagram.com/aroha.and.ako/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-close-57666874/

 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

 

]]> Jenna 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 for you?
  • How often do you engage in deep, honest reflection?
  • Do you document or keep track of your reflections?
  • Do you share them with others?
  • Do you notice how your body responds during reflection?
  • And, how often do you revisit and celebrate the journey of reflection?

Resources:

radical.sw. (2020, September 2). Emotional Regulation [Instagram photo]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/radical.sw/p/CEsHV77j4pB/

Dabell, J. (2018, August 12). Models of reflection. John Dabell. https://johndabell.com/2018/08/12/models-of-reflection-2/

Smyth, J. (1991). Critical reflection on classroom practice [Figure 3]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Critical-reflection-on-classroom-practice-Smyth-1991_fig3_270762112

 

Guest speaker : Jenna Close @aroha.and.ako

https://www.instagram.com/aroha.and.ako/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-close-57666874/

 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2292 33 full Episode 31 : Barbi Clendining Episode 31 : Barbi Clendining https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-31-barbi-clendining/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-31-barbi-clendining/#comments Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:43:46 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/ff709740-c45b-3e5c-b368-f1e11779b869 Barbi 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 style as affiliative or servant leadership which is a leader who prioritize the growth and wellbeing of others. We spoke about how this leadership style and her characteristic traits as an ADHD-er influence in her decision making and how she leads her team. She shared the challenges and the rewarding complexities of the entanglements of the traits of understanding her leadership style and her journey of getting a diagnosis of ADHD.

 

Guest speaker : Barbi Clendining Firefly HR: https://fireflyhr.com.au/

OSHC After The Bell Podcast: https://oshcafterthebell.libsyn.com/ 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Barbi 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 style as affiliative or servant leadership which is a leader who prioritize the growth and wellbeing of others. We spoke about how this leadership style and her characteristic traits as an ADHD-er influence in her decision making and how she leads her team. She shared the challenges and the rewarding complexities of the entanglements of the traits of understanding her leadership style and her journey of getting a diagnosis of ADHD.

 

Guest speaker : Barbi Clendining
Firefly HR: https://fireflyhr.com.au/

OSHC After The Bell Podcast: https://oshcafterthebell.libsyn.com/ 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3473 32 full Episode 30 : Vicky Heng Episode 30 : Vicky Heng https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-30-vicky-heng/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-30-vicky-heng/#comments Tue, 25 Jun 2024 19:25:23 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/7c9f9628-1c54-3c97-a8a3-6733c0b39197 Vicky 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 achievements.

She shares her passion for the use of ICT in the classrooms and how it is a tool for communication, learning, documentation and reflections for both children and educators. 

 

Resources: 

Bird, J. (2020). Technologies and pretend play. Every Child, 26(1), 16-17. https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EC2001-Technologies-and-pretend-play.pdf

Early Childhood Australia. (2018). Statement and Young Children and Digital Technologies https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Digital-policy-statement.pdf

 

Guest speaker : Vicky Heng https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-heng-b9613614b/

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Vicky 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 achievements.

She shares her passion for the use of ICT in the classrooms and how it is a tool for communication, learning, documentation and reflections for both children and educators. 

 

Resources: 

Bird, J. (2020). Technologies and pretend play. Every Child, 26(1), 16-17. https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EC2001-Technologies-and-pretend-play.pdf

Early Childhood Australia. (2018). Statement and Young Children and Digital Technologies https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Digital-policy-statement.pdf

 

Guest speaker : Vicky Heng
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-heng-b9613614b/

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2444 31 full Episode 29 : Nicola Hoad Episode 29 : Nicola Hoad https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-29-nicola-noad/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-29-nicola-noad/#comments Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:09:37 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/09b2b35b-7cef-326d-830f-6f49a856997d Nicola 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?

- Have you unpacked the concept of play with your team or yourself?

- What space and time do you allow free explorative play? What does that look like?

- How are children engaging in play and how do we allow children and educators to experience and reflect upon the human and non human entanglements in those interactions?

 

Resources: 

UNICEF (June, 2024) First Ever International Day of Play https://unicef.org/stories/first-ever-international-day-of-play

"Children’s immersion in their play illustrates how play enables them to simply enjoy being" (EYLF v2, 2022, p21).

United Nations (2024) International Day of Play. https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-play

 

Guest speaker : Nicola Hoad @playinthepast

https://www.instagram.com/playinthepast/

Play in the Past https://www.playinthepast.com/

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

*Disclaimer* Please note that I have missed spelt and pronounced Nicola's last name as Noad when it is Hoad. Apologies for the initial lack of research and clarification on my end and I am unable to make the changes in the recording. Names are an integral part of our identity and should be clearly pronounced, spelled and identified. 

]]> Nicola 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?

- Have you unpacked the concept of play with your team or yourself?

- What space and time do you allow free explorative play? What does that look like?

- How are children engaging in play and how do we allow children and educators to experience and reflect upon the human and non human entanglements in those interactions?

 

Resources: 

UNICEF (June, 2024) First Ever International Day of Play https://unicef.org/stories/first-ever-international-day-of-play

"Children’s immersion in their play illustrates how play enables them to simply enjoy being" (EYLF v2, 2022, p21).

United Nations (2024) International Day of Play. https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-play

 

Guest speaker : Nicola Hoad @playinthepast

https://www.instagram.com/playinthepast/

Play in the Past https://www.playinthepast.com/

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

*Disclaimer* Please note that I have missed spelt and pronounced Nicola's last name as Noad when it is Hoad. Apologies for the initial lack of research and clarification on my end and I am unable to make the changes in the recording. Names are an integral part of our identity and should be clearly pronounced, spelled and identified. 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2238 30 full Episode 28 : Belle Spillman Episode 28 : Belle Spillman https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-28-belle-spillman/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-28-belle-spillman/#comments Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:18:59 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/7b97a338-3a56-3d1b-baf4-06601c5bd60f Belle 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 rather than judgment. She also spoke about self-investment as something crucial in self-growth and leadership – it is the active and intentional work that you put in yourself in being the best version of yourself. Belle talks about knowing consciously the different hats that we wear and being present and embody the hat that fits the role and the situation.

 

Guest speaker : Belle Spillman @ourbusinessmentors

https://www.instagram.com/ourbusinessmentors/

Our Business Mentors https://ourbusinessmentors.com.au/ 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Belle 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 rather than judgment. She also spoke about self-investment as something crucial in self-growth and leadership – it is the active and intentional work that you put in yourself in being the best version of yourself. Belle talks about knowing consciously the different hats that we wear and being present and embody the hat that fits the role and the situation.

 

Guest speaker : Belle Spillman @ourbusinessmentors

https://www.instagram.com/ourbusinessmentors/

Our Business Mentors https://ourbusinessmentors.com.au/ 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2611 29 full Episode 27: Donna Sheppard Episode 27: Donna Sheppard https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-27-donna-sheppard/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-27-donna-sheppard/#comments Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:16:39 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/de6540d9-b754-378b-bbd5-6c831bd6bc5d Donna 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 passionately about the importance of advocacy in supporting families and educating others on our expertise in early education. She emphasized that parents are experts on their children, while educators are experts in child development, and both perspectives serve the best interests of the children.

Guest speaker : Donna Sheppard @backontrackconsultancy

https://www.instagram.com/backontrackconsultancy/

Back on Track Consultancy (https://www.backontrackconsultancy.com)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Donna 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 passionately about the importance of advocacy in supporting families and educating others on our expertise in early education. She emphasized that parents are experts on their children, while educators are experts in child development, and both perspectives serve the best interests of the children.

Guest speaker : Donna Sheppard @backontrackconsultancy

https://www.instagram.com/backontrackconsultancy/

Back on Track Consultancy (https://www.backontrackconsultancy.com)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2618 28 full Episode 26 : Mariela Silvera Episode 26 : Mariela Silvera https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-26-mariela-silvera/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-26-mariela-silvera/#comments Fri, 24 May 2024 13:38:06 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/33faad79-7fe1-30a3-b093-08da6c0ae72a Mariela 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 and shared EFT techniques that she uses with them. 

 

Video of Tappy Bear and EFT tapping technique. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YP2-ltqBqc

 

Guest speaker : Mariela Silvera @teacherandwellbeingcoach

(https://www.instagram.com/teacherandwellbeingcoach)

(https://www.youtube.com/@mindfuljourneycoaching)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Mariela 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 and shared EFT techniques that she uses with them. 

 

Video of Tappy Bear and EFT tapping technique. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YP2-ltqBqc

 

Guest speaker : Mariela Silvera @teacherandwellbeingcoach

(https://www.instagram.com/teacherandwellbeingcoach)

(https://www.youtube.com/@mindfuljourneycoaching)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2961 27 full Episode 25 : Samantha Barrish Episode 25 : Samantha Barrish https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-24-samantha-barrish/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-24-samantha-barrish/#comments Sun, 05 May 2024 11:05:06 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/6e459d77-6783-3e89-a2af-8e316f988069 Samantha 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.unplugged.educator_/)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Samantha 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.unplugged.educator_/)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2664 26 full Episode 24: Anne Gordan Episode 24: Anne Gordan https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-24-anne-gordan/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-24-anne-gordan/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:48:44 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/ab98a332-cd82-341e-b835-d277385ee77f Anne 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 words that she uses in highlighting the connections with the concepts and the 'doing' in her many examples. 

 

Guest speaker : Anne Gordon 

(https://www.facebook.com/yellowhateducation/)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Anne 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 words that she uses in highlighting the connections with the concepts and the 'doing' in her many examples. 

 

Guest speaker : Anne Gordon 

(https://www.facebook.com/yellowhateducation/)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3012 25 full Episode 23 : Rachel Smith Episode 23 : Rachel Smith https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-23-rachel-smith/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-23-rachel-smith/#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:48:42 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/f648d984-9026-3d01-9596-5fe598f10929 Rachel 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 connected educators nationwide who are in similar positions.

 

In this episode prologue, I've shared some reflections around finding your identity before finding your 'tribe': 

Who are you as a teacher/educator/leader?

What are your values and where does it sit in your practice?

What are your passion and interest or what gets you very excited?

 

 

Guest speaker : Rachel Smith @rachelshomechildcarefdc

(https://mailrhcc.wixsite.com/rachel-s-home-child) 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

 

]]> Rachel 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 connected educators nationwide who are in similar positions.

 

In this episode prologue, I've shared some reflections around finding your identity before finding your 'tribe': 

Who are you as a teacher/educator/leader?

What are your values and where does it sit in your practice?

What are your passion and interest or what gets you very excited?

 

 

Guest speaker : Rachel Smith @rachelshomechildcarefdc

(https://mailrhcc.wixsite.com/rachel-s-home-child) 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2985 24 full Episode 22 : Leanne Kapetanovski Episode 22 : Leanne Kapetanovski https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-22-leanne-kapetanovski/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-22-leanne-kapetanovski/#comments Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:03:58 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/2d93ff87-b96f-396d-830c-9eb0f17151d0 Leanne 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 Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Leanne 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 Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2419 23 full Episode 21 : Carrie Rose Episode 21 : Carrie Rose https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-21-carrie-rose/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-21-carrie-rose/#comments Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:15:42 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/1924f893-4239-35cb-b8b1-0adfd53e6a10 Carrie 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 quality of early education look like to you? What are you seeing in practice at the moment? And do both (your vision and realities) are aligned?

What are you doing in your everyday practice that reflects on your vision of quality early education?

How can you as an early childhood professional close that gap to the quality ratings that we see at the moment? 

Where/ how can you access information and expand your knowledge or practices on early education?

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority. (2023, November). National Quality Framework (NQF) Snapshot Q3 2023 [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/NQF%20Snapshot%20Q3%202023_0.pdf

 

Oncken Jr., W., & Wass, D. L. (1999). Management time: Who's got the monkey? Harvard Business Review, 77(11), [PDF]. Retrieved fromhttps://evolutionpartners.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Management-Time_-Whos-Got-the-Monkey.pdf

 

 

Guest speaker : Carrie Rose (https://therosewayplanning.com/) 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

 

]]> Carrie 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 quality of early education look like to you? What are you seeing in practice at the moment? And do both (your vision and realities) are aligned?

What are you doing in your everyday practice that reflects on your vision of quality early education?

How can you as an early childhood professional close that gap to the quality ratings that we see at the moment? 

Where/ how can you access information and expand your knowledge or practices on early education?

 

 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority. (2023, November). National Quality Framework (NQF) Snapshot Q3 2023 [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/NQF%20Snapshot%20Q3%202023_0.pdf

 

Oncken Jr., W., & Wass, D. L. (1999). Management time: Who's got the monkey? Harvard Business Review, 77(11), [PDF]. Retrieved fromhttps://evolutionpartners.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Management-Time_-Whos-Got-the-Monkey.pdf

 

 

Guest speaker : Carrie Rose (https://therosewayplanning.com/) 

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  @teachingjourneypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/teachingjourneypodcast/) 

 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3459 22 full Episode 20 : Sarah Louise Gandolfo Episode 20 : Sarah Louise Gandolfo https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-20-sarah-louise-gandolfo/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-20-sarah-louise-gandolfo/#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:56:34 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/bcf3dd74-7f26-3402-8f94-5989f3ac6a97 Sarah 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 world feel burned out and devalued: Here is how we can help. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/early-educators-around-the-world-feel-burnt-out-and-devalued-heres-how-we-can-help-202513

Ng, J., Rogers, M., & McNamara, C. (2023). Early childhood educator’s burnout: A systematic review of the determinants and effectiveness of interventions. Issues in Educational Research, 33(1), 173. https://www.iier.org.au/iier33/ng.pdf

 

Guest: Sarah Louise Gandolfo (https://slmconti.wixsite.com/learningtoleadinec)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani   Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

 

]]> Sarah 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 world feel burned out and devalued: Here is how we can help. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/early-educators-around-the-world-feel-burnt-out-and-devalued-heres-how-we-can-help-202513

Ng, J., Rogers, M., & McNamara, C. (2023). Early childhood educator’s burnout: A systematic review of the determinants and effectiveness of interventions. Issues in Educational Research, 33(1), 173. https://www.iier.org.au/iier33/ng.pdf

 

Guest: Sarah Louise Gandolfo (https://slmconti.wixsite.com/learningtoleadinec)

 

Host: Dee Suvanmani  
Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3082 21 full Episode 19 : Anson Li Episode 19 : Anson Li https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-19-anson-li/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-19-anson-li/#comments Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:42:23 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/999e03ac-21e2-3c61-8e3a-f0bd36ab742d Anson 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 experiences.

 

Resources: 

The Johari Window Model: https://www.mindtools.com/au7v71d/the-johari-window

 

Guest: Anson Li (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anson-li-52820142/) 

Host: Dee Suvanmani 

Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

 

 

]]> Anson 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 experiences.

 

Resources: 

The Johari Window Model: https://www.mindtools.com/au7v71d/the-johari-window

 

Guest: Anson Li (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anson-li-52820142/) 

Host: Dee Suvanmani 

Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3298 20 full Episode 18 : Darren Halim Episode 18 : Darren Halim https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-18-darren-halim/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-18-darren-halim/#comments Tue, 29 Aug 2023 22:05:11 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/26ed2f74-b46b-383b-97ee-9d080b734ce8 Darren 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). Equity Definitions. NAEYC. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/equity/definitions

Henderson, B. (2016) Gender Identity and Expression in the Early Childhood Classroom: Influences on Development Within Sociocultural Contexts. Young Children, 71(3) https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2016/gender-identity

 

Red Ruby Scarlet. (2023). The Anti-Bias Approach in Early Childhood. Multiverse Publishers. https://multiverse.com.au/product/the-anti-bias-approach-in-early-childhood/

 

Guest: Darren Halim

Host: Dee Suvanmani

Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

]]> Darren 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). Equity Definitions. NAEYC. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/equity/definitions

Henderson, B. (2016) Gender Identity and Expression in the Early Childhood Classroom: Influences on Development Within Sociocultural Contexts. Young Children, 71(3) https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2016/gender-identity

 

Red Ruby Scarlet. (2023). The Anti-Bias Approach in Early Childhood. Multiverse Publishers. https://multiverse.com.au/product/the-anti-bias-approach-in-early-childhood/

 

Guest: Darren Halim

Host: Dee Suvanmani

Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2970 19 full Episode 17 : Shelli Giosis Episode 17 : Shelli Giosis https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-17-shelli-giosis/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-17-shelli-giosis/#comments Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:43:18 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/bb9f8d25-a88a-3fa2-9b3e-1940f2e0d56e Shelli 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

Host: Dee Suvanmani

Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

]]> Shelli 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

Host: Dee Suvanmani

Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2391 18 full Episode 16: Joanne Tan Episode 16: Joanne Tan https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-16-joanne-tan/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-16-joanne-tan/#comments Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:53:58 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/a3480d6a-ad78-3ebb-bab7-263bb5fa35eb Joanne 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: @teachingjourneypodcast

]]> Joanne 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: @teachingjourneypodcast

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2466 17 full Episode 15 : Hakea Hustler Episode 15 : Hakea Hustler https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-15-hakea-hustler/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-15-hakea-hustler/#comments Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:46:35 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/a8d2d186-ec78-3276-9c6d-86e34259845d Hakea 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 resources: https://linktr.ee/theremoteteacheraus

Host: Dee Suvanmani

Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

 

]]> Hakea 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 resources: https://linktr.ee/theremoteteacheraus

Host: Dee Suvanmani

Instagram: @teachingjourneypodcast

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2691 16 full Episode 14: Jessica Staines Episode 14: Jessica Staines https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-14-jessica-staines/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-14-jessica-staines/#comments Sat, 01 Jul 2023 17:19:16 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/e17aaf04-85cf-381a-846f-43b9a289ea10 Jessica 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/

 

 

]]> Jessica 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/

 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2559 15 full Episode 13 : Lynette Tah Episode 13 : Lynette Tah https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-13-lynette-tah/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-13-lynette-tah/#comments Thu, 25 May 2023 16:43:57 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/14db8159-e960-3fd2-9fba-63d3bc900274 Lynette 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.

]]> Lynette 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.

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2540 14 full Episode 12 : Eliza Lee Episode 12 : Eliza Lee https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-12-eliza-lee/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-12-eliza-lee/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:12:55 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/c386c524-1e85-33fb-b29e-0a467c189f4a Eliza 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. 

]]> Eliza 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. 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2078 13 full Episode 11 : Anna Zhang Episode 11 : Anna Zhang https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-11-anna-zhang/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-11-anna-zhang/#comments Mon, 24 Apr 2023 13:37:44 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/687b5aeb-a2bb-3a7a-921f-dceacc0621c9 Anna 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.youtube.com/@earlyyearswithanna Blog: https://earlyyearswithanna.blogspot.com Instagram: earlyyearswithanna]]> Anna 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.youtube.com/@earlyyearswithanna Blog: https://earlyyearswithanna.blogspot.com Instagram: earlyyearswithanna]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2815 12 full Episode 10 : Laura Kerr & Jessica Branca Episode 10 : Laura Kerr & Jessica Branca https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-10-laura-kerr-jessica-branca/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-10-laura-kerr-jessica-branca/#comments Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:30:01 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/c8934426-35b1-3fbb-9d59-91d981ee8363 Laura 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. 

]]> Laura 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. 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3554 11 full Episode 9: Rachael McBrien Episode 9: Rachael McBrien https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/rachael-mcbrien/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/rachael-mcbrien/#comments Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:13:39 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/5216eea3-6394-31e7-9d19-36fd4f6692ca Rachael 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.

]]> Rachael 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.

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3422 10 full Episode 8 : Rajy Xavier Episode 8 : Rajy Xavier https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-8-rajy-xavier/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-8-rajy-xavier/#comments Tue, 14 Mar 2023 11:51:25 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/688c9ca4-9a89-3930-9525-869adc19d813 Rajy 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.

]]> Rajy 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.

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2751 9 full Episode 7 : Fiona Ye Episode 7 : Fiona Ye https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-7-fiona-ye/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-7-fiona-ye/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2022 11:16:49 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/d5941366-bbf3-3f91-ab0c-8c6ea3ffcf6b In 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.

]]> In 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.

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2939 8 full Episode 6: Dorianne Prinzi Episode 6: Dorianne Prinzi https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-6-dorianne-prinzi/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-6-dorianne-prinzi/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:25:17 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/7aacb524-8747-38c3-88e3-2fe872d5b666 Dorianne 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. 

]]> Dorianne 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. 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2816 7 full Episode 5: Rita Ravida Episode 5: Rita Ravida https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-5-rita-ravida/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-5-rita-ravida/#comments Sat, 27 Aug 2022 23:00:07 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/35a03717-435e-3adf-b1d0-333dab98af24 Rita 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.

]]> Rita 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.

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2915 6 full Episode 4: Neha Jain Episode 4: Neha Jain https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-4-neha-jain/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-4-neha-jain/#comments Thu, 14 Jul 2022 22:58:53 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/4d5c5540-36df-38ef-9be6-d3915ac6a1ff Neha 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/)

]]> Neha 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/)

]]> Neha Jain spoke about her work that is very close to her. She created a Playgroup called ‘Desi tunes with Neha’ and has also wrote an article for parents ’Talking to Kids About Race’. Dee Suvanmani false No 3233 5 full Episode 3: Alison Gibbons Episode 3: Alison Gibbons https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-3-alison-gibbons/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-3-alison-gibbons/#comments Thu, 12 May 2022 02:04:22 +1000 teachingjourney.podbean.com/3cc2d336-229b-329a-b9ca-bc0f254d6521 Episode 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.

]]> Episode 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.

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 3185 4 full Episode 2 : Rosana Martin Episode 2 : Rosana Martin https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-2-rosana-martin/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-2-rosana-martin/#comments Mon, 28 Mar 2022 20:49:14 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/48a1b97e-1520-33e4-ba47-40c9776f5cd9 Episode 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. 

]]> Episode 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. 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2685 3 full Episode 1 : Victoria Kennedy Episode 1 : Victoria Kennedy https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-1-victoria-kennedy/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/episode-1-victoria-kennedy/#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2022 16:39:05 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/64c97314-919b-3ff8-9a6e-339f687b1b66 Episode 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. 

 

]]> Episode 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. 

 

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 2953 2 full Teaching Journey : Introduction Teaching Journey : Introduction https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/teaching-journey-introduction/ https://teachingjourney.podbean.com/e/teaching-journey-introduction/#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:23:14 +1100 teachingjourney.podbean.com/24c63d7a-a71c-3642-859a-a945b6eea30a Teaching Journey : Introduction to Podcast

]]> Teaching Journey : Introduction to Podcast

]]> Dee Suvanmani false No 52 1 full