With an impressive career spanning 38 years, Anne Houghton has made significant contributions to the field of early childhood education. Her journey began as a dedicated kindergarten teacher for over three decades before transitioning to diverse roles at Gowrie Victoria.
At Gowrie Victoria, Anne’s expertise flourished as she took on responsibilities as a Kindergarten Cluster Management Coordinator, Early Childhood Consultant in Resources and Advice, Trainer and Assessor for Diploma and Certificate 3 in Children’s Services, and Professional Development Presenter. Her multifaceted roles allowed her to impact the professional growth of educators while providing invaluable guidance and support.
Anne’s passion for education extends beyond the classroom. She has authored a children’s storybook called “There Stood Our Dog” and co-authored three publications focusing on engaging families in early childhood services, inspiring learning environments, and visible learning in family day care. Her written works reflect her commitment to empowering educators and fostering strong connections with families.
Anne’s influence reaches far beyond her publications. She has captivated audiences at conferences across Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Japan, and Malaysia, inspiring fellow educators with her expertise and innovative teaching strategies. Additionally, she has contributed to mentoring projects as a casual research assistant with the Bastow Institute and the University of Melbourne.
Currently, Anne serves as a sessional lecturer in the School of Education at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and works as a presenter for Play Australia. Her dedication to the field continues to shape the future of early childhood education as she imparts her knowledge, shares her experiences, and advocates for the importance of play-based learning.