Learning Specialist

About this role

Selection Criteria SC6 Demonstrated ability to design and implement effective whole school learning programs to support diverse learning needs including the ability to build the capacity of staff knowledge and understanding of inclusive practices. Role Learning Specialists will be highly skilled classroom practitioners who continue to spend the majority of their time in the classroom delivering high-quality teaching and learning and have a range of responsibilities related to their expertise, including teaching demonstration lessons, observing and providing feedback to other teachers and facilitating school-based professional learning. Learning Specialists are expected to have deep knowledge and expertise in high quality teaching and learning in delivering improved achievement, engagement and wellbeing for students. The role of the Learning Specialist will be to model excellence in teaching and learning through demonstration lessons and, mentoring and coaching teachers in improving the skill, knowledge and effectiveness of the teaching workforce. The Learning Specialist role is aimed at building excellence in teaching and learning within the Teaching Service. Responsibilities In recognition of the importance of exemplary practice for improved student learning outcomes, the key roles of the Learning Specialists may include but are not limited to: • Demonstrating high-level expertise in teaching and learning practice • Modelling exemplary classroom practice including through teaching demonstration lessons • Working with the school leadership team to develop a shared view of highly effective teacher practice • Leading and modelling the implementation of whole-school improvement strategies related to curriculum planning and delivery • Playing a key role in the provision of professional learning, including through developing processes and protocols for observation and feedback of teacher practice and peer collaboration • Modelling effective learning practice and supporting teachers to seek, analyse and act on feedback and on their practice • Providing evidence-based feedback to teaching staff to inform their effectiveness and development • Providing expert advice about the context, processes and strategies that will shape individual and school professional learning • Supervising and training one or more student teachers and mentoring and/or coaching teachers • Modelling exemplary use of student data to inform teaching approaches • Developing and promoting school-wide professional learning structures, processes and protocols through Professional Learning Communities • Modelling exemplary professional learning practice included through seeking feedback from other teachers and leaders on their own classroom practice as part of critical reflection and inquiry to improve practice Who May Apply Teachers currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and qualified to teach and/or have demonstrated experience in the curriculum area(s) specified for the position. Diversity and Inclusion The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines ). Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected] Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school. Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy DE Values The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview Conditions of Employment • All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. • Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check. • A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided. • Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx Qualification Requirements To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class: • The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and • if the person completed an Australian postgraduate level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, they must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed a postgraduate level accredited initial teacher education program that has been accredited by an Australian State or Territory Teacher Regulatory Authority as satisfying the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 'Accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures'; and • a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program after 1 July 2016 must also demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements (this condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian ITE program completed by the person). Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools . Location Profile Glenroy Specialist School is one of four schools in Victoria specialised for students with physical disabilities and significant medical needs. Current enrolment numbers are 166.6 EFT with students ranging in age from 5 to 18 years. The school boasts a purpose-built facility designed to optimise student learning outcomes and maximise their health and wellbeing. Divided into three sub-schools: Junior, Middle and Senior, classes are structured to cater for learning levels. Teaching and supports are differentiated to accommodate students' individual communication and access. Specialist teaching spaces include the arts precinct, library and hydrotherapy pool. Glenroy Specialist School has a large and complex staffing profile of over 200 staff. Roles across the school include the leadership team, teachers, classroom education support staff, personal care assistants, mealtime assistants, administration and grounds staff and allied health staff. The school operates a Team Around the Learner model where all stakeholders work in a collaborative manner with the student at the centre. All staff participate in personal care programs and are involved in manual handling. Our vision to educate in an inclusive, respectful, compassionate and creative learning environment provides the opportunity for students and members of our community to feel empowered, happy, resilient and proud. The school values of Respect, Inclusion, Compassion and Creativity underpin work across the school. The school motto 'Working Together to Achieve' recognises the importance of strong partnerships, internally and with external agencies, that contribute to the success of students and the school community.