Teachers and educators relocating from overseas often face challenges when settling into a teaching role in the Victorian early childhood sector. We spoke to several educators who’ve migrated from New Zealand and are being supported through a Gowrie Victoria coaching program.
For teachers relocating to Victoria from overseas, it can often feel overwhelming and extremely isolating, especially when they are the only Early Childhood Teacher at their service. Trying to understand the differences and similarities between the Victorian Frameworks and the New Zealand Framework Te Whāriki for example, can be quite daunting. There is a great deal of information to unpack across the NQS, EYLF and the VEYLDF, not to mention the planning cycle and other relevant areas of practice which may be unfamiliar. Through coaching, teachers are able to ask questions, clarify their thinking and reflect on how this relates to their evolving practice and knowledge base.
Returning Teachers and Educators Coaching Program
What has changed for you since you started the coaching program?
“I have really gained confidence within the ECE sector in Australia, now being very familiar with the frameworks, the similarities and differences there are between the New Zealand Framework Te Whāriki.” – Renee
Has coaching supported you to be more confident?
“Coaching has definitely supported my confidence. Particularly arriving from another country (NZ) and being encouraged by my mentor to look at the positive aspects of my approach so far. Having someone who has allocated time to listen to me and explain teaching approaches here in Victoria has been valuable. I feel more confident that I can adapt to the different context of the Victorian early childhood sector having been informed about other kindergartens positive approaches as well as current challenges.” – Annie
How has coaching influenced you in your role?
“Coaching has helped my understanding of how Victoria/Australia does things – it helped me to reflect upon myself and my leadership and knowledge and to be reminded of my abilities and beliefs in teaching.” – Pam
“I think my attitude towards teaching has had a real positive shift. I’m no longer feeling unsure or overwhelmed by what I don’t know and because of it I am a happier, more present and intentional teacher. I feel more able to support student teachers and take the lead when required. Planning is something I enjoy a lot more and I’m excited extend on and document children’s learning.” – Trudy
How has coaching supported you to reach your goals?
“Whilst I enrolled in coaching to help me engage in the Victorian ECEC sector and to help get my head around the documents and standards, I feel that coaching went beyond this. It helped me to re-establish my values and how to bring them into our practice, finding strength in role modelling them – pushing past the old ways that I was up against and encouraging better practice in our working space.” – Pam
Any final reflections you’d like to share?
“Through the programme I really got to unpack and become familiar with all the similarities and differences in the VELDYF and EYLF curriculums as opposed to what I was used to in the New Zealand context. Navigating this with a supportive coach who allowed me to discuss and reflect on this and how it may influence my practice, gave me much more confidence.” – Renee
“Having a Gowrie Coach is very beneficial and has been able to make my transition to Early Childhood teaching in Victoria so much smoother.” – Annie
“I would recommend the coaching program to any teachers coming to Victoria, to help gain a better understanding of and support with their transition into teaching in Victoria (Australia)” – Pam
“Trying to learn and understand ECEC frameworks/documents on my own felt overwhelming and I was unsure of how it all fit together. Working with a Gowrie coach made things make sense and gave me the knowledge and understanding to complete the puzzle.” – Trudy
You can read Trudy’s full experience here.
Coaching one on one allows the coach to delve into areas such as professional identity, connectedness and feeling that sense of purpose in your teaching role. Coaching through these areas can then help build confidence and feeling of being connected to the wider ECEC sector. Longer term, this program can also support teachers to build connections and to network with other teachers and professionals within their communities which attributes to sustained professional growth and ongoing purpose.
Up until the end of 2024 Gowrie is offering FREE coaching for teachers and educators joining the Victorian ECEC sector from overseas on behalf of the Victorian Department of Education. To find out more about our coaching program, please e-mail coaching@gowrievictoria.org.au or call 8624 1077.