LIFE MEMBERSHIP

Awarded for outstand contribution to ECTA over many years.

When did you join
1973. At the inaugural Meeting in October we formed the Association of State Pre-School Teachers.  In 1976 the name was changed to the Early Childhood Teachers Association. This reflected a growing interest in joining among teachers employed in education systems other than the Queensland State Department of Education.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA
Being at a Conference or a Regional Group meeting where members greeted both known and new members enthusiastically, ready to chat in ways that were supportive of one another. 

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens
After the 1970s I was a member who was no longer working closely with children or parents. I worked closely with students preparing to become early childhood teachers and my research interest was the knowledge teachers used when they worked with young children and families. ECT membership kept me in touch with working teachers as they talked in groups about work issues.

How has it evolved. What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA.
I am delighted that ECTA continues to evolve as an Association that takes very seriously the need to bring working teachers together for critical reflection on their everyday experience.  

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today. 
Continue to evolve as one of the few places where early childhood teachers can work together to find relevant information, to bring their personal, professional and practical skills and abilities to the task of critically reflecting on new information. And to do this in the sometimes boisterous, self-deprecating ways that can lead to WISDOM or at least a restored feeling of self-worth. 

When did you join ECTA?
I was a founding member of ECTA so joined in 1973.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA
My favourite part of being in ECTA was getting together with all the teachers. The local colleagues still get together each Christmas in our local area at the coast

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit
We supported and challenged each other, with what we were doing within our programs.  We strengthened each other from the pressures that were put on us from principles. We would phone each other for support when asked to do something we knew was not in line with Early Childhood best practice. 

How has it evolved. What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA.
When we started it was seven or eight teachers in my lounge room. It has been amazing to see how ECTA has spread into the primary years and the strong influence ECTA has now across the state.

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today.
I would say to members to ‘Look at the history of Early Childhood Education and find out for yourself what will work best to develop a climate in the room that works with Early Childhood principles to create a child friendly climate.  The current lack of understanding around children’s ability to gain control over themselves and their ability to learn from one another is very disappointing. We must value children’s interactions with one another. And allow them the freedom to explore their own potential and to experiment and try it out for themselves.

When did you join
Sue Thomas, already an ECTA member, encouraged me to join. I started at QUT in 1985,and joined ECTA at that time.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA
Feeling part of a group with a shared purpose and the potential to support or challenge departmental/government decisions. As part of an organisation “by teachers, for teachers” we believed we could make a difference for young children, families, communities and the EC education and care field when we presented an informed and united voice. ECTA as organisation gave us the clout to confidently advocate on a range of issues with the backing of members who were often at the front end of policy decisions. I think we felt a strong sense of collegiality, working together for the benefit of young children, families and our profession.

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens
Helping to develop the ECTA Journal in its early pre-digital days. It was a small but enthusiastic team effort, often with us standing at long picnic tables set up in the courtyard outside the early childhood art room of BCAE (Brisbane College of Advanced Education before it became QUT) literally sorting articles, placing photographs on pages and putting the journal together. Belinda McCartney kept a tight reign on the quality of each edition. We were always looking for new ideas and innovations by EC professionals across Queensland that could be shared with ECTA members. Given the quality of the journal today, that remains true.

How has it evolved. What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA.
In terms of EC in Qld, I believe the removal of preschools with well-researched play-based programmes was a retrograde step for young children and teachers. I am glad my own two children gained the benefit of play-based preschool as it provided a memorable childhood experience and a solid foundation for starting school. Initially the prep curriculum was also play-based until, over time, it seems to have become more about “seat work” and less about active playful learning than may be optimal for young children. In time, I hope the value of teacher-supported play for young children is acknowledged and supported across all EC settings. 

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today 
Keep speaking up through ECTA when decisions have the potential to reduce the quality and effectiveness of EC programmes, curricula or support for EC professionals. A united professional voice is taken much more seriously by departments and governments, so don’t ever feel you, as an individual, can’t make a difference.

When did you join
I’m not certain when I joined but would think that it was in my first year of teaching in 1986. As a young beginning teacher, I would have been looking for collegiality and support. Preschool was in a separate division within the Department of Education (as it was known then) and so we were a small and separate group of teachers within schools.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA
I always enjoyed the resource making workshops. Teachers would attend the workshops after school and on weekends and come away with practical resources to use with your students the next day. My own creative and making skills were questionable but I enjoyed making finger puppets, big books, Math and literacy resources. I recall doing the ELIC suite of professional development -Early Literacy Inservice Course which developed teachers’ early literacy strategies and demonstrated the importance of teaching and learning in early childhood. I also remember the WOW (Working Out the World) Science Kits in lime green boxes. They were filled with science equipment and resources for teachers of young children, which again demonstrated the importance of early learning. Many schools now have similar kits for the Primary Connections units of work. ECTA celebrated and recognised the early years of learning and teaching.

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens.
Without a doubt, connecting and networking with other teachers was most valuable. Before the internet (yes there was such a time!), ECTA provided a way for new teachers to meet with experienced colleagues and share successes and challenges. When teaching in more remote locations, ECTA provided a link with a broader community and a feeling of belonging.

How has it evolved. What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA. Shook up early.
ECTA grew to include Primary School Years 1,2 & 3 when preschools became part of their primary school campus. This brought many benefits and challenges as we all adjusted. This change continued when preschool became Prep and the starting age was raised in line with other states. As the Child Care sector grew, ECTA embraced our colleagues who work tirelessly with our youngest learners.  Through all these developments, ECTA has been involved, alongside educators, advocating for best practice in the teaching and learning of young children.

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
To connect with and support your fellow educators. The work we do is of great significance and importance to the individual children we interact with, but it is also quite demanding of our time, emotions, and energy. Many of the teachers I made friends with in my first years of teaching, I am still close to as we continue to share our professional and personal journeys. I am grateful for their ongoing friendship and guidance over the years.

When did you join?
My role was in admin for ECTA, I was working at Bardon Kindy in the 1990’s (and still am) when Carole Wild asked if I would to take on a little job, This was the beginning of many memorable years with ECTA. I commenced collecting the mail and recording a list for ECTA meetings, the job grew over the years and my role included circulating mail the list prior to meetings, taking minutes for monthly committee meetings and EYC meetings as well as helping with the conference preparation as required. Together with the Treasurer I also looked after the financial side of the association as required. I passed on the admin job in 2005 but continued to pack and distribute the Grad Packs to students until 2016.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA
Working with all the committees, meeting new, interesting people and learning new skills. I was thrilled and surprised to become a life member in 2004, something I never expected, though very proud of. 

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens.
In my role in admin I could see how Early Childhood professionals benefited in so many ways by being a member of ECTA and were always made welcome at conferences etc.  Regional Groups added so much for early childhood professionals with special professional development programs.

How has it evolved. What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA.
The biggest change I have noticed with ECTA has been the growth in membership and the popularity of the conference over the years with increasing numbers. Also with increasing technology there is so much more available for members at any time. Students should be encouraged to join when they first commence study, there are so many benefits.

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today Always keep your ECTA membership current and take part in whatever PD is offered. EC students should be involved early.

When did you join?
I joined ECTA in the early to mid 1980’s 

Memory: favourite part of being in ECTA.
Establishing friendships with other EC professionals from different sectors and working on the conference committee.

Most rewarding experience/ element from a member benefit lens.
Access to PD through the conference and the journal articles.

How has ECTA evolved.
It has been rewarding for me to see the growth of ECTA over the past 4 decades from a small organisation (sometimes on the sideline) to one that is now recognised and approached for its EC contributions, opinions and professional knowledge. This was brought about by the hard work, passion and dedication of a number of people throughout that period and they are to be congratulated on what they have achieved. By embracing the latest technology ECTA is now so easily accessed by EC professionals regardless of where they live.

Advise for members and EC Professionals.
Organise your own community groups for regular catch ups, ideas and support.  Attend as many PD opportunities as possible as it is so important to hear and share all the different ideas, approaches and latest research that may be beneficial for your own workplace.

When did you join?
I joined ECTA in my first year of teaching in 1983

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA.
My favourite part of being an ECTA member has been the sense of belonging – belonging to a diverse group of people with a shared commitment to early childhood learning and development.

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens?
My most rewarding experiences involve my years on the coordinating and conference committees. What I found rewarding was giving voice to and amplifying attention to issues of importance in early childhood.

How has it evolved? What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA?
I have seen ECTA spread its wings, moving from a ‘preschool’ focus to an early childhood focus – looking at issues spanning, or specific to the full early childhood spectrum birth to eight years. Having worked in early childhood for 40 years I have seen many changes across early childhood. But what impacts me the most is irrespective of systemic changes, new policies or directives the drive, commitment and enthusiasm of ECTA and ECTA members to quality teaching and learning, positive relationships with partners and continuity for children and families has stood the test of time and continues to be a mainstay of ECTA’s success.

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
Always look to connect your excellent early childhood practice to the policies and expectations of the day. Be positive about your practice and use your knowledge of early learning to show how EC pedagogy aligns with, and supports a range of educational theories, centre or school expectations and legislation.

When did you join ECTA?
I first joined the Pre-School Teachers Association  in Toowoomba in 1976 and attended Workshops and Conferences in following years until leaving the profession in 1984. However, I re-joined ECTA and  became an ECTA committee member (Vice President) in 1995.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA.
My favourite part was the camaraderie and networking at Workshops and Conferences.

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens?
The most rewarding element of being a member was being part of an organisation that valued Early Childhood Education and advocated for all sectors of the field.

How has it evolved? What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA?
The biggest change that I saw over my time with ECTA, was being able to provide quality professional development to Regional Members over most of Queensland through ECTA’s online presence. Since the 70s, ECTA has evolved by embracing other Early Childhood sectors eg Child Care and the first 3 years of schooling, which were originally not part of the organisation.

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
My best advice for ECTA Members and Early Childhood Professionals today would be adopt the principle of lifelong learning by participating in quality EC professional development, become an active member of ECTA to give the organization the best opportunity to advocate on their behalf and that of young children.

When did you join ECTA?
I joined ECTA in the late 80’s and still remember attending an ECTA conference (whilst breastfeeding) in 1992. My baby was 6 weeks old, and I still felt it was an event I couldn’t miss as I knew I would gain so much from the conference presentations. 

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA.
I love the sense of belonging that being an ECTA member gives me. To connect with other like-minded professionals physically, online and through the journal has always been valued by me and I have always felt supported and inspired in my teaching pursuits.

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens?
ECTA has always afforded me a sense of belonging and permission to have a voice in many ways. Through surveys, webinars, meetings, conferences and journal submissions, I have always felt I have a voice which is so rewarding.

How has it evolved? What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA?
With 45 years early childhood teaching experience I have seen the pendulum swing a few times between activity-based and child-centred pedagogy. ECTA has responded by supporting educators to always maintain focus on children’s and family’s developmental needs and supporting play-based programming using real-life learning. There is a balance of research- and experience-based learning which provides a balanced view of education and change.

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
ECTA provides excellent support and opportunities for educators that are relevant and support current issues or trends in Early Childhood. Attend the annual conference in person and enjoy networking with new and old colleagues and checking out current resource ideas. Or better still, join one of ECTA’s fabulous committees or regional groups and get involved in engaging with and inspiring educators who share your passion and EC journey.

When did you join?
Thank you for inviting me to contribute to this issue of Educating Young Children and in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Early Childhood Teachers’ Association. I joined ECTA when I moved to Queensland in 1999. I had always been an active member of my local early childhood teachers’ association, so belonging to an association dedicated to early childhood professionals just seemed natural. I soon became Secretary and at the same time joined the Editorial Panel for Educating Young Children.

Memory/favourite part of being in ECTA
Belonging to the editorial panel of the EYC journal is a very special memory for me. To have worked alongside a group of talented early childhood professionals in bringing three journals to life each year brought great joy and fulfilment. To know that you are contributing to an organisation advocating for best practice through sharing the stories, conversations, articles and reviews of your fellow early childhood educators and professionals is a humbling experience; and an insight into the knowledge and expertise that flourishes amongst our profession.

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens?
Being a member of the ECTA is about knowing that you are contributing to a united and influential voice on behalf of educators, children and their families. It is also about a sense of community and togetherness especially in times of natural disaster. No matter where you are in Queensland there is always a regional group for you to connect with and find comfort and support in your fellow practitioners.

How has it evolved? What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA?
I think transformation, change and transition are constant in our profession and early childhood professionals are great change makers and responders. In little more than a decade we have seen the implementation of Prep, establishment of the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care, Universal access, Indigenous early childhood reforms, Qld Kindergarten Learning Guideline, Early Years Learning Framework (V1 &2), Australian Curriculum, National Quality Agenda, National Early Years Workforce Reforms and Australian Early Development Census. Our profession has adapted to new vocabulary, new curriculum and legislative frameworks, new technologies and new approaches to teaching, learning and assessment … and through a myriad of networking and professional development opportunities, both in person and online, ECTA has remained committed to supporting educators in navigating a way forward. 

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
My best advice for members would be to continue to look forward with a sense of possibility in the knowledge that we come together in the best interests of children, their families and our communities. To be bold in embracing new ways, and in advancing reconciliation to create a more just and equitable future for all children.

When did you join?
I joined the EYC editorial committee in 1995 making me the longest serving member of the committee.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA
When the committee meetings moved from being held at QUT and Cassandra Weddell became the editor, she opened her home for our editorial meetings.  These productive meetings were enhanced by dinner, accompanied by wine, good company, and of course professional discussion.  

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens?
I believe my commitment to and longevity on the committee are, largely due to the camaraderie that exists between the members of the committee. Over the years my professional knowledge has been enhanced by the members, the articles, and the journal. I feel honoured that I have contributed to many journals that made an impact on early childhood teachers and in turn young children.

How has it evolved? What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA?
For many years as committee members, we were responsible for sourcing articles.  We had to call in favours from colleagues in the early childhood network.  When the conference presenters were required to submit articles to accompany their conference workshop, we suddenly had a plethora of articles to use for the journals printed throughout the year.

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
Networking with other early childhood professionals is one of the greatest sources of professional development.  I think over the years there has been less opportunity to do so, so if you can’t find the opportunities create your own – attend the ECTA conference, scour journals, make connections with conference delegates, reach out to authors and set up your own network. 

When did you join?
I joined ECTA the second year of my teaching career – 1986. I began by attending the local ECTA group for catch-ups after school. I continued my membership during my 9 years of rural teaching and excitedly waited for the arrival of my ECTA Journal three times a year. The journal was a tangible and valuable link to other professionals when I was quite isolated – usually being the only preschool teacher for miles. 

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA
On returning to Brisbane in 1996 I began attending my local area ECTA group and I found a fabulous group of like-minded Early Childhood Educators. I enjoyed seeing another teachers room (the catch-ups moved around) and sharing ideas about education and young children – as well as sharing concerns around the difficulties that sometimes came with teaching. 

 What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens?
I was invited to join the ECTA Journal and gratefully accepted as I was thrilled to have a small part in producing the journal that had meant so much to me.  I have relished my time with the many and varied friends who have worked tirelessly to further Early Childhood Education for the benefit of practitioners and children. The early years of the journal involved many exhilarating discussions on the direction of education and how best to support the members of ECTA through the changes and challenges we were all facing.

I also began attending the ECTA Conference. What a delight to be able to listen to so many diverse professionals and mix with so many enthusiastic educators. I still get the same excited feeling as I drive home after a fabulous day, furiously planning how to enact the many wonderful ideas and strategies I have just learnt about.

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
My best advice for teachers would be to keep your mind open to all new ideas, learn from your peers and your mistakes, but always stay true to yourself and your philosophy.

When did you join?
I have no idea of an exact date but I think it was the mid 90’s.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA.
The support of like minded colleagues. I had the misfortune of being bullied in the workplace and my ECTA colleagues were the only reason I didn’t succumb and quit teaching. Their understanding, encouragement and support helped me through a very difficult time.

what was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit lens?
The professional development sessions organised at a regional level, regular social afternoons which helped maintain our professional sanity, and, of course, the annual ECTA Conference

How has it evolved? What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA?
The change from face to face PD to an on line format. I always loved the face to face contact of like minded professionals but am fully aware of the value and advantages of the on line format. 

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
I hope the value of face to face contact with like minded professionals never disappears however the current Early Childhood teaching world is very different to the one I experienced. Please, Please keep advocating for children’s right to have plenty of time to play, explore, experiment and take risks in their own way and in they own time.

When did you join ECTA?
I joined ECTA as a student member in 1979 in my first year at the Brisbane Kindergarten Teachers College. The conference was held in the Kelvin Grove Campus across the road.

Memory favourite part of being in ECTA.
Working with the all the committee members on the journal, conference, website and state coordinating commitees. They are all so passionate about early childhood and ECTA.

What was most rewarding experience/element from a member benefit?
I also facilitated a Digital Photography Mentor projected and visited many members across the state. It was wonderful to see all the amazing things that were happening in preschools and kindy’s at that time. I loved helping members to develop their digital documentation skills. Also representing ECTA on the national and state level. 

How has it evolved? What is the biggest change that you saw in EC or ECTA? 
I think the use of technology has had a huge impact on how we connect and document learning. 

What would be your best advice for members and Early Childhood Professionals today?
Stay true to your beliefs and seek out ;like minded colleagues who can support you.