Victorian Educational Leaders Conference 

Best Start, Best Life: 2023 Educational Leader's Conference

In February, the Educational Leadership team attended the Best Start, Best Life 2023 Educational Leaders Conference. Hosted by the Department of Education, the conference brought together early childhood Educational Leaders, experts and practitioners from across the state. The conference was held on 15 February 2023 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne and online via live streaming.

The conference theme, ‘Evidence for impact: giving children the best start’, encouraged strong, evidence-informed discussion about early childhood education, with world-renowned experts and leading practitioners sharing their thoughts.

The conference, hosted by journalist Ellen Fanning, built on the significant expertise of attendees to enhance their professional development and connect with colleagues.

The conference explored the critical role of quality practice in the $9 billion Best Start, Best Life reform, and supported Educational Leaders to guide the delivery of two years of high-quality play-based learning for Victorian children.

Facilitated by Ellen Fanning, this panel of Educational and Pedagogical Leaders discussed practical ways that the panellists have used evidence and reflective practice to deliver high-quality education in their services.

This was follows by three keynote speakers.  The leading researcher in early childhood practices, Professor Jane Bertrand, explored the latest international evidence on pedagogical leadership. She highlighted the common factors of great leadership and the best ways Educational Leaders can lead effectively.

Professor Iram Siraj, a world-leading early childhood expert, spoke about the evidence for educational leadership improvement. Although a recording of her conference presentation is not available, her research into how leadership plays a key role in learning and teaching quality is available through the following links:

Renowned researcher, ARC Laureate Professor Marilyn Fleer, discussed practical and evidence-based strategies to improve intentional teaching and play-based learning. Marilyn discussed how children embed concepts within a play-based program and the importance of developing a balance of teaching practices to support children’s learning.

Sir Kevan Collins discussed the important role of the focused and active Educational Leader, drawing on his deep evidence-based knowledge. He spoke passionately about how Educational Leaders can embrace change and enhance children’s learning and development.

Best Start, Best Life 2023 Educational Leaders Conference | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)