Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

Alumni and Supporters

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content
  • Lara Bowler

    Lara Bowler

Related Contents

Lara Bowler

Bachelor of Education (2022)

“Growing up in rural New Zealand I always wanted to be a teacher”, recalls Lara Bowler. “I used to make pretend worksheets and exams for my brothers and sisters.”

But goals can often change for young people, and when she finished high-school, Lara’s focus shifted to seeing the world. She spent time travelling around Asia and South America and working a few different part-time jobs in between to save for more travel.

“It was not until my mid-twenties that I realised I would need to work full-time. I worked in aged care, before studying the UniPrep (Education Assistant Program) at ECU”.

UniPrep would not only serve as Lara’s entry pathway into the Bachelor of Education, but also to enable her to work part-time in Education while studying her undergraduate degree.

“Working in the industry while I was studying really allowed me to develop my passion for teaching and gave me the chance to practice what I was learning at uni.”

“During my degree, I had the opportunity to do a professional experience in an early education setting and I immediately fell in love with the Early Childhood Education Sector.”

The lead to Lara beginning to work for the Atlantis Group as an Educator and Educational Leader full-time, while studying part-time online.

“I’ve worked at the Atlantis Group for almost five years now, and since graduating I have been promoted to the role of Pedagogical Leader for the company. I oversee ten of Perth's leading early learning centres in their educational program and practice.”

“I’m incredibly lucky to get to work with a company whose values and vision aligned so closely with mine! Working for the Atlantis Group I get to mentor and collaborate with the most knowledgeable and passionate educators and teachers in the sector.”

“I get to be a 'sprinkler of magic' and bring joy and fun to children every day - in my opinion it's the most rewarding job you can ever possibly do!”

“There are endless possibilities waiting for you on the other side of your comfort zone."

This passion for making learning fun was recognised recently, with Lara named Western Australia’s Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher in the inaugural Early Childhood Learning and Development Sector Awards.

Lara credits the Reggio Emilia pedagogy as a source of inspiration to her own teaching style.

Under the Reggio Emilia approach, children are viewed as active, capable and valuable members of the community.

“I would love to travel to Reggio Emilia on a study tour, to meet with and observe teachers, pedagogistas and atelieristas.”

“It’d be amazing to be immersed in this philosophy and bring knowledge and insights back to share with my team.”

Her advice for teachers just starting out?

“Progress not perfection - you still have so much to learn and your professional development has only just started!”

And, “There are endless possibilities waiting for you on the other side of your comfort zone. Personally, sometimes I’m shy or nervous in new situations (especially when it comes to public speaking), but there’s so much to gain from putting yourself out there.”

Skip to top of page