Long-serving early childhood educator Raelene Carr has been named a finalist for the Victorian Educator of the Year in the Victorian Early Years Awards 2024.
Ms Carr has worked at William Hovell Preschool in Corio, managed by local not-for-profit organisation Meli, for more than 25 years and is a passionate educator and advocate for children and families.
“It’s the best job in the world,” Ms Carr said.
“There are challenges… but the great days outweigh the bad.”
Ms Carr’s stellar childhood teaching career began when she responded to an advertisement in the local newspaper for a role at William Hovell Preschool and was selected from 250 applicants for an interview.
“At the interview I said if I get the job, I’ll be here until I retire… and now here I am 26 years later. I think that’s why I got the job!” she said.
The Early Years Awards, now in their 19th year, are run by Victoria’s Department of Education to celebrate leadership, achievement, dedication and innovation in the early education sector.
Ms Carr said she was “overwhelmed and excited” to be chosen as one of just three finalists in the state-wide award, which recognises an educator who has demonstrated “innovative and exemplary practice in early childhood education and care”.
“It’s nice to be able to look back at the end of each year and see the difference you’ve made in these children’s lives,” she said.
With two grown-up sons of her own and six grandchildren aged 6 to 21, Ms Carr now teaches children whose parents, aunties and uncles were once in her care.
“I can’t go to the supermarket without someone coming up to me,” she said.
“I’ve even been invited to 18th and 21st birthdays of former students. To think I’ve had that much impact is incredible.”
Winners of the Victorian Early Years Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday November 7.
