Teaching Excellence Program delivers empowered teachers

The Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership's Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) is a great way for teachers to invest in their professional learning to achieve the best outcomes for students, and is open to government, Catholic and independent skilled teachers.

Teachers can enhance their capability and skills while connecting with like-minded teachers in their local areas across Victoria and are supported and challenged every step of the way – learning alongside peers and gaining confidence to become better teachers. 

Michael Kollaras, a TEP24 teacher, created and shared a reflective video on his time in the program, and how it has been a transformative and empowering experience.  

A Reflection on My Year of Teaching - Michael Kollaras

Original testimonial on Michael's LinkedIn profile

As one of our final tasks for the Teaching Excellence Program, we were assigned to create a "teacher portrait" to encapsulate how we perceive ourselves, reflecting on our personal qualities, passions, beliefs, and values. I saw this as an opportunity to reflect not only on my growth as an educator but also on a year filled with both personal and professional development. This year has been life-changing for me, with invaluable friendships and experiences that I now hold dearly. 

Here’s my reflection on the past year in teaching: 

This past year has been one of the most transformative in my journey as an educator. When I first joined the Teaching Excellence Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, I felt a strong sense of imposter syndrome. Surrounded by incredible educators with such confidence and expertise, I wondered if I truly belonged.

However, as the year progressed, I found myself contributing to discussions and sharing insights on the technologies curriculum. My confidence grew, reshaping my teaching practice and empowering me to embrace my role fully. Beyond this personal growth, the connections I made were invaluable. I found a supportive community of peers who share my commitment to education and understand the challenges and joys of teaching.

These connections have become a cherished part of my journey, offering both professional insights and genuine friendship. Together, we’re building a vision of education grounded in a shared passion for learning. One of my most rewarding experiences this year was leading a workshop alongside Thomson Wood, on whether AI supports or hinders the creative process. 

The positive response affirmed my ability to lead and inspire others—a reminder of my potential and skills as an educator. Reflecting on this journey, my teaching philosophy has truly solidified. I’m committed to viewing students as whole individuals, not just learners, aiming to create a safe, inclusive classroom where they feel valued and empowered to explore their strengths. 

I believe in technology’s role in education, not just as a tool but as a means to promote connection, accessibility, and engagement. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue sharing my journey. Ultimately, this year has been about recognising my strengths, embracing my identity as an educator, and finding my place to make a real difference. Below is the video I created as part of my "Teacher Portrait" task with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.