Emeritus Professor Collette Tayler

Emeritus Professor Collette Tayler is remembered as one of early education’s strongest advocates, leading Australian and international research to influence the direction of Early Childhood policy and leadership throughout her distinguished career.

Inducted:
2018
Category:
Change Agent

A trained teacher who worked internationally, Collette had a strong interest in working with Indigenous communities in Australia to promote early childhood education. The Collette Tayler Indigenous Education Scholarship assists Aboriginal students enrolled in the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) and Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) at the University of Melbourne, and promotes the learning and wellbeing of young Aboriginal Australians.

Collette was a trusted advisor to both the Victorian and federal education departments. Her work influenced new quality standards in education and care settings and the direction of early childhood education and care reform across Australia.  Her research on early childhood education tackled improving outcomes for children both in Victoria and internationally.

Collette held the Chair in Early Childhood Education and Care at the University of Melbourne and was an academic leader of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood). In 2017, the University of Melbourne awarded her the title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of her contribution to early childhood education and care.

Colette passed away on 1 December 2017 and will be remembered for her vision and dedicated commitment to early childhood education, her inspirational leadership, and her generosity of spirit.

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