An interview with Dr Donna Velliaris, Global Guru in Education

Upon completing my Bachelor of Arts degree, I stood at a crossroads, uncertain about which direction to take in my career. Unlike many of my peers, I lacked a clear vision for my future. However, inspired by my mother’s lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, I began to view teaching as a practical and meaningful option.

Opting to pursue a one-year Graduate Diploma of Education seemed like a logical next step, offering a potential pathway forward. During my preservice teacher practicum placements, I experienced a revelation that caught me by surprise—I discovered an innate talent for teaching within myself. I found myself thriving in the classroom environment, earning exceptional evaluations and feedback. And over time, my commitment to teaching and continuous self-improvement began to garner recognition from peers and colleagues.

Therein, embracing the power of social media, I discovered valuable avenues for sharing educational content, resources, and captivating photographs, serving to inspire and inform others. Connecting with educators worldwide allowed me to exchange insights, ideas, and best practices. The honour of being named a Global Guru in Education symbolises that my contributions are acknowledged and valued on a global scale. Indeed, this recognition serves to fuel my passion for education, inspiring me to continue striving for excellence in all my endeavours.

In the realm of education, several non-negotiable qualities and skills are essential for every educator. Foremost among these is the possession of an official and current teacher license, ensuring both legal compliance and a demonstration of the necessary qualifications and credentials for competent and lawful practice. Additionally, the ability to maintain clear boundaries between personal and professional lives emerges as a foundational principle, safeguarding professionalism and enabling educators to dedicate their undivided attention to the educational needs of their students. Moreover, adherence to a standard of professional attire serves as a visible manifestation of respect for the profession and sets an influential example for students.

Concurrently, the cultivation of mutual respect between educators and students emerges as a linchpin in fostering a supportive and conducive learning environment, essential for the holistic development of learners. Equally crucial is the possession of robust content knowledge in their respective subject domains, which equips educators with the tools necessary to effectively impart information and facilitate meaningful student learning experiences. Finally, an unwavering commitment and genuine desire for student success serve as driving forces, compelling educators to provide consistent support, encouragement, and guidance to propel students toward realising their full potential. Collectively, these indispensable qualities and skills underpin the effectiveness and success of educators in their noble vocation of shaping young minds and nurturing future generations.

A pivotal moment in my career that profoundly shaped my perspectives on education and influenced my approach to teaching or educational leadership revolves around my mentor during my Masters and PhD studies. This extraordinary woman left an indelible mark on my heart. Her exceptional expression and written fluency exuded a commanding presence that resonated deeply with me. Under her expert guidance, I underwent transformative mentoring experiences and learned the art of crafting words that carry immense power.

She imparted invaluable lessons on infusing sincerity into my writing and refining it with intellectual precision. This profound insight into the impact of words has remained an endless source of inspiration for me. Engaging in the ongoing refinement of my writing not only enhances my confidence, but also fills me with joy, motivation, optimism, and a profound sense of nourishment for my soul and spirit.

My mentor’s exemplary rapport, highly professional demeanour, and unwavering commitment to excellence have served as a guiding light throughout my career journey. Her mentorship has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the profound influence educators can have on their students and colleagues. As I continue to navigate the complexities of education and leadership, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and wisdom she imparted, striving to emulate her dedication and heart in all that I do.

When I first entered the teaching profession in the mid 90s, technology played a minimal role, allowing educators to dedicate themselves to refining their craft. The focus was on creating profound learning experiences rather than simply entertaining students. With rapid advancements in technology, however, the educational landscape has undergone a significant transformation. While these advancements bring exciting possibilities, they also present challenges.

In my early days of teaching, the emphasis was on mastery, depth, and building meaningful connections with students. Today, the ever-evolving technological landscape has required educators, including myself, to become proficient with using many and varied tools, while struggling to achieve true mastery in any. Each effort to enhance expertise in educational technology is met with a constantly evolving landscape, introducing the ‘next-best-thing’. This perpetual cycle creates pressure to stay innovative, and also raises concerns about the depth of our pedagogical practices. Thus, I find myself worried that we may be unintentionally serving/stressing surface-level learning experiences over the profound understanding that comes from deliberate and measured approaches to educational instruction.

I recommend embracing the challenges inherent in the teaching profession. Teaching demands resilience, adaptability, and multitasking skills, making it a formidable undertaking at times. It is important to recognise that not everyone is suited for this role, and those who choose to pursue it make substantial contributions to our communities. Serving as an educator is both noble and essential, underscoring the importance of continually seeking opportunities for professional development and innovation, while nurturing a fervent passion for the transformative impact of education.

https://globalgurus.org/education-gurus-top-30/

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