Australian Journal of Teacher Education
Abstract
Building leadership capacity within the early childhood profession has emerged as a key concern as the sector responds to national reforms. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion around the changes needed in tertiary training to build early childhood leadership capacity in school settings. Eight experienced early childhood teachers enrolled in a post graduate leadership unit participated in this small scale, exploratory study. Data were drawn from the participants’ research plans, reflective journals and a post unit survey. The findings indicated that the participants found it difficult to perceive themselves as leading families and community. Two key challenges emerged from the data; the importance of developing home/school partnerships and difficulties with infrastructure and support. In order to prepare teachers for the changing early childhood environment, teacher educators need to consider course renewal to acknowledge the changing landscape in early childhood school settings and make adjustments accordingly.
Recommended Citation
Campbell-Evans, G., Stamopoulos, E., & Maloney, C. (2014). Building Leadership Capacity in Early Childhood Pre-Service Teachers. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 39(5). https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2014v39n5.3