Celebrating 15 years of shaping the lives of young children and the educators who support them, Samantha Maan has become one of the quiet success stories of G8 Education – one of Australia’s leading providers of quality early learning education and care.
As a teenager, Samantha Maan was the go-to babysitter for family and friends, something that would evolve into her life’s work – growing into a 15-year career in early childhood education, taking her from Assistant Educator to Area Manager at G8 Education, reflecting her passion, dedication and professional growth.
Throughout Samantha’s time in the early learning education and care (ECEC) sector, she has always valued her learning and career progression, as well as being a mentor to her team members.
As Samantha celebrates her 15 years within the sector, she reflects on her career, sharing that she “loves seeing the growth in children and educators and watching the children grow their confidence.”
While working as a Centre Manager, Samantha applied for a scholarship to study her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education through the G8 Study Pathways Program, which she is currently undertaking.
Samantha described the Study Pathways Program as exceptional.
“The support I have received throughout my study journey has been amazing, from my centre team members to the university, and the team in Support Office,” she said.
“G8 really invests in their team and gives them development opportunities, whether it’s studying or career progression, there is always support.
“The ability to grow internally and be supported at every stage of your career is something I truly value, because that’s what happened to me.”
Now a mother of two, Samantha has worked her way up the corporate ladder to her role now as an Area Manager for G8 Education in New South Wales.
Samantha said the most rewarding part of working in the ECEC sector is all of it – no day is the same.
“As an Educator, I loved being with the children and the families and building those relationships,” she said.
“As a leader, I loved mentoring teams, getting through challenges together, building culture, and achieving quality outcomes.
Going through challenges together as a team.”
Working in the ECEC sector, Samantha said you have to be open to growth and change as the sector continues to evolve.
“If you want a job that makes you smile and makes you want to get up and go to work each day, this is the job for you,” she said.
“You’ve got to be passionate, patient and willing to learn and take on feedback.”