Jan Snowden

CONSULTANT

Jan joined Early Life Foundations and the Walker Learning Team in 2012 after retiring from the Department of Early Childhood and Education after 37 years of service. During her teaching career she worked in both metropolitan and rural schools, teaching at all year levels as well as specialist subjects within the primary setting. Jan coordinated the primary department in a Prep – Year 12 College and was the English Network Leader who conducted various literacy professional development sessions and presentations. Jan completed her Diploma of Education then Bachelor of Education at Melbourne University. She is also a qualified Reading Recovery teacher.

Prior to joining Early Life, Jan was the Prep team Leader at Altona Green Primary School – one of the first primary schools to implement the Walker Learning Approach. She was fortunate in being able to develop a close professional relationship with Kathy as she led and mentored the team for a number of years. Jan organised and presented many school visits and study tours during her time at Altona Green Primary School. As a leading member of the Prep team Jan forged strong ties and links with local early childhood centres and kindergartens and was instrumental in implementing a successful school transition program for children coming from early childhood settings.

As an educator Jan has been a passionate advocate for social justice and the rights of children. Her special areas of interest include early childhood education as well as play-based learning, literacy and multi-cultural education. Jan chose to spend her 37 years of service in the classroom working with children on a daily basis. She believes that children’s lives are enriched by exploring, investigating, experiencing and relating to the world around them and as significant adults in children’s lives, a teachers role is to mentor, support and value each and every unique and precious individual.