Malinda Vaughan

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2021

Malinda Vaughan (aka Mal), Leading Teacher - Literacy

Tell us about a joy you have had in leadership?

Working with an amazing team and school community.  I love being part of a school that is proactive and truly has students at the heart of everything.   In particular, I feel a lot of joy with watching our students thrive in an environment that has been designed specifically for them, seeing staff flourish in their roles and being able to challenge myself every day.  

What do you love about your job? 

I love unlocking potential and educating students, teachers and the broader community alike.  Literacy has become an area of passion since I could see my eldest son struggle with reading and writing when he started school.  My advocacy for quality literacy instruction for my son has grown on a larger scale.  Taking on a Leading Teacher role has given me a larger platform to reach out and educate the importance of quality literacy instruction to more people.

Female role model and why?

When I was younger it was Melinda Gainsford-Taylor.  She was a sprint star back in the 1990s.  She was a role model because I loved athletics, but it also helped she had the same name as me!  She was someone who went the extra mile with her training.  Now, I would say my mum.  She has been that constant in my life, supporting me through my highs and lows.

Female who has influenced your life? 

So many people along the way.  I think it is important that we surround ourselves with supportive people.  My colleagues, past and present, have had a huge impact on my career.  They are the ones who have said ‘yes you can’ in my moments of doubt.

What are your hopes for the future?

I want to continue to grow within my role as a school leader.  As a mum of two boys, I hope that they will grow up realising their role with supporting gender equality.

Anything else? 

Female role models are important for other females to recognise that they can achieve and lead, especially when faced with adversity.  I also want to recognise females as being a role model for everyone, no matter your gender.