VELP participant Rachael McBrien shares her micro credential course experience

Fawkner Kindergarten Director and Educational Leader Rachael McBrien applied to take part in the Victorian Educational Leadership Program (VELP) in October 2023, hoping it would address her need for deeper professional development and would provide a sense of challenge. 

The free VELP program includes 2 micro-credentialed course options available to all educational leaders in Victorian government-funded kindergarten services. The Victorian Department of Education has contracted Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in consortium with the Early Learning and Care Council of Australia to deliver VELP.

Having been a teacher for 29 years, she was hoping to strengthen her abilities as a pedagogical leader, admitting that the word ‘pedagogy’ was one which mystified her.

“Pedagogy can be so broad in early childhood,” she said. “I wanted to confidently be a pedagogical leader as part of my educational leader role.”

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, as well as offering a valuable opportunity to meet other leaders in the early childhood sector.

“As a profession, early childhood is so diverse,” she 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,” she shared. 

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.

For other Victorians who may be considering applying, her advice is “be brave and step outside your comfort zone.”

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.

For more information, refer to the Victorian Educational Leadership Program.