Multicultural Education Aide in Geelong

The Geelong English Language School (GELS) provides EAL (English as an Additional Language) tuition to eligible Foundation to Year 10 students who are newly arrived in Australia. It supports teachers and schools in the Greater Geelong area to build EAL teaching skills and develop appropriate EAL programs and policies for students within their first five years of school in Australia.

Location and delivery: GELS's main administrative campus is at 12 Pickett Crescent, Belmont Geelong. In 2027, GELS will deliver an intensive English language program for New Arrivals students at three campuses: Corio (F to Yr 6), North Geelong (Yr 7 to Yr 10), and Belmont (F to Yr 6). Students in GELS programs come from a wide range of language, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Students are taught in classes of about 13 to ensure that their English language, social learning, and wellbeing needs are intensively supported. A school-wide student wellbeing strategy ensures that students and their families are welcomed and supported as newly arrived members of their new community.

GELS has four main goals:

• A focussed learning environment that maximises learning growth for all students.
• A caring learning environment which supports the wellbeing and settlement needs of students and their families.
• A supportive and stimulating work environment for all staff that encourages commitment, innovation, and excellence.
• Professional learning opportunities for mainstream school staff to support newly arrived and EAL students and their families.

Selection Criteria

• SC1: Capacity and experience to support teachers and students within intensive EAL programs across all year levels (P-10) at GELS.
• SC2: Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students, families, and school community members from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• SC3: Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital learning tools relevant to assisting students with EAL.
• SC4: A commitment to professional learning and growth.
• SC5: Proficient reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in both English and Farsi/Dari.

Role

An education support class position will perform tasks in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program. An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include duties of a teacher as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor.

Responsibilities

• Support student learning on an individual or group basis with direction from the class teacher.
• Translate communication between teachers and non-English speaking students in the classroom.
• Support and translate communication between teachers and non-English speaking parents, e.g., during enrolment interviews and Parent/Teacher Conferences.
• Assist in the translation of school documents and resources, including utilising phone interpreting services.
• Prepare basic curriculum resources.
• Assist the school in liaising with external support service providers, teachers, students, and their families.
• Support staff in student wellbeing.
• Provide teachers with insight into students' cultural backgrounds and experiences.

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.

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.

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.