In July 1959 an experimental initiative marked the formation of the Victorian Association for the Teaching of English. The purpose of the Association was to 'stimulate interest in the teaching of English and background studies' and three meetings were planned. By October 1960 the Association had become established enough to hold its first AGM and it had 160 members.

Since 1960 VATE has gone on to support its members as they have coped with the various changes to the teaching and learning of English over the last sixty years. 

Ambition: VATE is a not-for-profit subject association committed to a vision of subject English that is equitable, inclusive, robust, creative, responsive, and critical. Through collaboration and community, VATE serves its members and their students from all sectors and regions across the state of Victoria.

Purpose: VATE exists to support its members at all stages of their English teaching career in the continuous process of renewal necessary to engage with the dynamic nature of both the profession and subject English. Through professional networks, advocacy, research, journals, professional learning, and resources, VATE leads and nurtures a community of teachers of secondary English committed to their students and the advancement of the profession.