Learning Specialist - Teaching and Learning

About this role

Selection Criteria SC1 Demonstrated expert knowledge of the relevant curriculum. Demonstrated ability to model exemplary teaching practice, including the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills across the curriculum, and implement school priorities. SC2 Demonstrated expertise in the implementation and modelling of high impact teaching strategies that respond to student learning needs. Demonstrated ability to support teachers to evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth SC3 Demonstrated exemplary ability to model the monitoring and assessment of student learning. Demonstrated ability to support others in using data to inform teaching practice and to provide feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents. SC4 Demonstrated exemplary interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to engage in collaborative relationships with students, colleagues, parents and the broader school community to support student learning, agency, wellbeing and engagement. SC5 Demonstrated ability to model behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated ability to support others to reflect on their practice and facilitate school-based professional learning. 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 Belmont Primary School exists for its children. Established in 1856, Belmont Primary School is one of the earliest schools in the Geelong region. Located near the Belmont shopping and business centre, our school sits at the heart of the original Belmont suburb. We are proud of our long-standing connections with families who have been part of our community for generations. This strong sense of history continues to shape the inclusive and welcoming culture that defines our school today. Our learning spaces are designed to inspire curiosity and collaboration, offering flexible environments that support individual, group, and interactive learning. We operate a 1:1 BYOD device program for students in Years 3¿6 and continue to invest in technology, ensuring access to iPads and Chromebook computers across all year levels. Within a safe and nurturing environment, we promote: ¿ A love of learning and a thirst for knowledge ¿ Achievement of each child¿s full potential¿academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and artistically ¿ A strong sense of belonging to school and community ¿ Confidence, compassion, and respect for others ¿ The skills and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing world Our school values¿ Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience ¿are at the heart of everything we do. By learning together, we strive to build a safe, happy community of confident and inspired learners. Our Community Belmont Primary School currently has around 300 students across fourteen classes. Enrolments have grown steadily over the past decade, and we are now close to capacity. We are fortunate to enjoy a strong partnership with our families, who place a high value on education and contribute generously through School Council, Parents¿ Club, and classroom and event support. The school also offers a well-managed and highly regarded Before and After School Care program to support our families. Programs and Opportunities We offer a rich and dynamic curriculum that extends beyond the expected. In addition to our core specialist programs in Physical Education, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and STEM, students engage in a range of additional programs. These include Library, Debating, Swimming, Choir, Student Voice Leadership, Bike Education, Puberty Education, Gardening Club, Sustainability Leadership, and Ukulele and Guitar lessons. Our Staff Our dedicated and vibrant staff demonstrate their commitment to students every day through: ¿ A genuine love of children ¿ A commitment to excellence and individual learning needs ¿ Ongoing professional growth and collaboration ¿ Enthusiasm and passion for teaching ¿ A strong focus on wellbeing and teamwork We provide a comprehensive education aligned with the Victorian Curriculum , and we take great pride in our students¿ achievements. In recent years, we have strengthened school-wide approaches to literacy and numeracy, deepened our focus on student voice and agency, and enhanced our Professional Learning Communities to ensure collective responsibility for every student¿s learning success. The school has a positive culture that reflects our values and vision¿fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, motivated, and empowered to achieve their personal best. Belmont Primary School is a great place to learn and teach!