IEU principal stalwart Vince Muscatello departs education after a storied career

After 12 years as a principal, 20 years in leadership roles and 33 years as an educator, Vince Mustcatello is departing education and the IEU, where he also served a long tenure.

A long-time unionist, Vince served as Deputy President of the IEU Catholic Primary Principals Council from 2019 to 2021, and President from March 2021 to the end of 2022.

Former General Secretary of the IEUVT Deb James said Vince was a member of long standing “who always active in the union, particularly as a Principal Rep”.

“His advocacy for his school, principals across the state and in particular, for staff and schools in country Victoria, was fierce. Serving on Principals Council and Committee of Management, he was a strong voice for those he represented. Vince never backed down on speaking truth to power, raising issues with Diocesan leaders and questioning decisions they made that didn’t sit right with his local knowledge and experience. That takes courage and leadership.”

The Point asked Vince a few questions about his career and his advice to those starting out in education.   

What made you choose education as a career?

I came from a family with a strong connection to education. My uncle was a teacher, and at that time, my brother was pursuing his studies to become one as well. Teaching seemed like a promising career choice, offering a sense of stability and purpose. The profession had a lot of appealing aspects, including the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. Additionally, the extra time off during school holidays was certainly an attractive perk. It's remarkable how much things have evolved over the past 33 years.

Why did you join the union in 1994?

I was encouraged by colleagues who were already members, and I decided to join the union early in my teaching career. The simplest way to explain it was, "It's like having health insurance." Membership offered a sense of security, providing crucial support and guidance when navigating challenging situations. As a new teacher, I benefited greatly from having access to expert advice.

I was acutely aware of the inequities within the education system, especially as a teacher in Catholic schools. The disparity in pay between sectors at that time was undeniably unfair  ̶  I was working just as hard as a teacher at a public school nearby but earning significantly less. Joining the union became a way to address these injustices and advocate for improved working conditions across the board. We truly saw the power of collective action; there was strength in numbers, and together, we could drive meaningful change.

What has being part of the union meant to you and what did you get out of taking senior roles like President of the Principals Council?

I was well aware that unions were often accused of making things “difficult” for employers. However, for me, being part of the union was about having a voice and using it to support those around me. It was about standing up for fairness and helping create a better environment for everyone.

I felt especially privileged to take on the role of President of the Catholic Primary Principals Council. It was a significant responsibility and a steep learning curve, but it provided invaluable insights into the range of challenges faced by my fellow principals across the state. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honour of working with and advocating for some truly exceptional principals.

No matter where a principal was located—whether in a remote area of Victoria overseeing a school with 35 children or in a metropolitan region with 600 students—the issues, challenges, and workload were remarkably similar. The role carried the same demands and complexities regardless of the school's size or location. It became clear that principals, just like teachers and other school staff, needed a voice. They needed to feel supported and confident that someone was looking out for them.

In my case, the union—and specifically my principal officer—provided that much-needed support. I knew they had my back, and it made all the difference in navigating the challenges of educational leadership.

Did you know you would be a leader in schools and out, or was this an unexpected development in your career?

I was never the type to stand on the sidelines; I believed that you only get out of something what you're willing to put into it. Having spent my entire career in the Sunraysia area, working in remote and regional communities, there were frequent opportunities to step up and help out.

I suppose the desire to lead was always there, but I knew it wouldn't happen overnight. I understood that I needed to put in the hard work and gain the necessary experience. So, I took on various coordinator and leadership roles, not just to climb the ladder, but also to make a meaningful difference to those around me.

When I first applied for the principal position at my current school, my main goal was to learn from the process. I understood that I would be competing against candidates with broader experience in different areas, and I certainly didn’t consider myself a “shoo-in.” However, I did feel that I had something valuable to offer the school community I aspired to lead. It was about more than just the title; it was about the impact I believed I could make in shaping a positive future for the school and its students.

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Vince Muscatello’s advice to a teacher starting their career

As a new teacher starting out, here are some essential things to keep in mind:

• Question: Don’t hesitate to raise your hand and ask for help when you need it. Be curious and ask questions constantly  ̶  seek to understand! We encourage our students to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem, and the same applies to you as a beginning teacher. After 33 years in this profession, I’m still asking questions.

• Balance: Make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Teaching is a demanding job that requires a tremendous amount of effort, especially in the early years when there is so much to learn. Be patient with yourself, and don’t forget to set aside time for your personal wellbeing.

• Observe: Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from those around you. You’ll encounter some incredible teachers and others who may be less inspiring. Pay attention to their strengths and figure out how you can incorporate those skills into your own “teaching toolbox” to become a better educator.

• Relationships: The quality of your successes and how you handle setbacks will largely depend on the relationships you build with students, parents, and colleagues. Invest time in cultivating strong, positive connections; they will be the foundation of your teaching journey.

• Be a sponge: Absorb as much knowledge as you can. Many renowned educators have walked the path you're now on. A good friend of mine, Tom Hierck, once said something that has always resonated with me: "Every student is a success story waiting to be told."

My advice to you is to be the catalyst that helps bring their story to life.

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What has been your greatest reward, and biggest challenge as a principal?

It's hard to pinpoint just one highlight from my time as a principal because there have been so many rewarding moments. One of the greatest joys is running into former students who feel comfortable enough to chat with me and share memories of their primary school experiences. Hearing their stories and knowing I was a part of their educational journey is truly fulfilling.

Another significant reward has been seeing teachers I've worked with advance into leadership roles, especially becoming principals themselves. I'd like to think that, in some small way, I helped inspire or support their professional growth.

I've also been fortunate to encounter some remarkable parents along the way—parents who were not only deeply invested in their children’s education but also in the broader well-being of the schools where I worked. Their commitment, along with their trust and support for me as both a teacher and a leader, has been incredibly meaningful.

However, the role of a principal is not without its challenges, and "burnout" is the biggest one facing us today. The variety of roles and responsibilities a principal is expected to juggle continues to expand each year. While we want to concentrate on learning and teaching, we often find ourselves stretched thin, taking on duties that go far beyond traditional educational leadership.

It disappoints me when people say, "children have changed." I don’t believe that to be true; kids are essentially the same as when I first started teaching. What has changed is parenting styles and the expectations society places on schools. The accountability of parenting has shifted, and schools are constantly being tasked with implementing yet another government program or initiative, further crowding an already packed curriculum. This shift places even more pressure on educators and school leaders to meet expectations that extend far beyond the classroom.

What is the biggest challenge facing the IEU today?

Let me address the issue of complacency. There are many exceptional principals out there who are doing everything they can to create supportive environments for their staff. As a result, new teachers entering these schools may not see the need to join the union because, from their perspective, things already seem good. But this is where the real problem lies—the improved conditions we now enjoy are the result of the union's bargaining power during negotiations for new awards.

Our ability to negotiate effectively is directly influenced by our membership numbers. The larger our membership, the stronger our collective voice becomes. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: there is strength in numbers.

The IEU Vic/Tas is committed to ensuring that all its members are treated fairly, justly, and with respect. If we want to maintain the progress we've made and continue to fight for better conditions, we need everyone to contribute to the cause. Becoming a member isn’t just a choice; it’s about actively being part of the solution. It’s as simple as that.