About the Initiative
Shayla (BSc) comes to childhood education with a research science background in biochemistry, ecology, and Traditional Knowledge Systems.
Having worked across different industries, in advocacy organisations, in school leadership positions, and on projects with government, Shayla understands where the opportunities lie for our kids.
​
"I know that equitable education sets up a better future for all of us. Learning environments are not just where we learn about the world around us, but about who we are and what unique skills we can share with the world.
"I have evolved STEM for Early Learners to be diverse in its educational approach, informed by early childhood education research, evolving pedagogies, visions and frameworks, as well as incorporating cutting-edge science & taking the necessary leaps to innovate how we teach STEM.
​
"Stigmatised ideas about STEM, about who "can" and "cannot" do it, have already taken root by the time children start school.
"That's why it's so important to plant those seeds of capability in those earliest learning experiences, when children can show themselves what they're truly capable of.
"I am passionate about getting little minds thinking BIG, asking questions, and actively engaging in the world around them -- that's the secret for building a better, more equitable future."
Acknowledgement of First Scientists
The team delivering the STEM for Early Learners initiative acknowledge the First Peoples of the lands, waters and skies where we operate as the first scientists of this place called Australia.
​
For thousands of years and generations of families, the Kaurna, Peramangk, Boandik, and Narungga Peoples, whose land we work on, have been practicing custodianship of Country.
We pay our deepest respects to the First People, and acknowledge our responsibility to ensure that we care for Country in all that we do.