Corio teacher a finalist in Educator of the Year

LONG-serving Meli early childhood educator Raelene Carr has been named a finalist for Educator of the Year in the 2024 Victorian Early Years Awards.

Ms Carr has worked at William Hovell Preschool in Corio for more than 25 years and is a passionate educator and advocate for children and families.

“It’s the best job in the world,” she said.

“There are challenges…but the great days outweigh the bad.”

Ms Carr’s early childhood teaching career took off after 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 Educator of the Year Award nomination highlights Ms Carr’s dedication to building connections with children to support their learning and wellbeing.

She is “overwhelmed and excited” to be chosen as one of just three finalists in the statewide award, which recognises an educator who has demonstrated “innovative and exemplary practice in early childhood education and care”.

Her caring, calm and consistent approach, along with her dedication to developing strong relationships with families, has led to positive outcomes for children and families at the preschool.

“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.

Ms Carr has two grown-up sons of her own and six grandchildren aged 6 to 21.

She lives locally and values her close connections with families.

She is now teaching children whose parents, aunties and uncles were once in her care.

“I can’t go to the supermarket without someone coming up to me. I’ve even been invited to 18th and 21st birthdays of former students. To think I’ve had that much impact is incredible,” she said.

The winners of the 2024 Victorian Early Years Awards will be announced at a ceremony on November 7.

For more on the awards, head to vic.gov.au/victorian-early-years-awards