Learning Specialist in Melbourne

Somerville Secondary College is situated in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula in the township of Somerville, 55 km from Melbourne's central business district. The college has students from Year 7-12, and with the township experiencing urban growth there is a focus on the school having a population of a maximum of 700 students in future years. The college grounds and facilities are attractive and well maintained. Our college's learning areas are open-planned, flexible and well resourced. There are several features such as the onsite state of the art Design Centre, the award-winning teaching and learning spaces, dedicated arts, science and technology spaces, and a high quality multipurpose outdoor recreation space. The college provides access to authentic learning experiences where students have access to a curriculum that is based on the Victorian Curriculum with specialist learning experiences across all curriculum areas. The college offers the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) as well as VET in school certificates.

We recognise that a successful education is the result of teamwork between our teachers, students, and their parents and/or carers. In addition to teachers, your child is supported by Sub School Leaders as well as Student Wellbeing and an Inclusion Team. At Somerville Secondary College we understand that quality teaching and learning only takes place in an environment based upon the development of positive relationships between teachers and students. Our school is a friendly, safe, and vibrant learning community where students are at the centre of every decision we make and can explore a well-rounded education across a wide range of fields: academic, vocational, sporting, artistic and technological.

We believe in developing confident and capable individuals who can thrive in an ever-changing world no matter what pathway they may choose. We work extensively to create an inclusive, safe social and physical environment that helps all our students learn and succeed. An environment of challenge and support which allows our students to have an authentic voice in their education and develops their skills to achieve their best. Alongside our educational pursuits, we take pride in supporting our students to always have high expectations of themselves and have strong values of integrity, respect and responsibility, while having an appreciation of the community around them.

Creating an environment of high expectations and strong outcomes for your child's development and future is what drives us too. Regardless of ability, personality or background, it is our goal that every student is supported to fulfil their potential. We nurture, encourage and expect high achievement with students gaining ATARs in the 90s, however we are also about recognising that students are individuals with differing abilities, interests and goals. Our curriculum is demanding yet sufficiently flexible to allow for varying rates of development and learning.

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.
• SC3: Demonstrated exemplary ability to model the monitoring and assessment of student learning.
• SC4: Demonstrated exemplary interpersonal and communication skills.
• SC5: Demonstrated ability to model behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values.

Role Description:

The Literacy Learning Specialist is a key instructional leader responsible for improving student learning outcomes through the development, implementation, and evaluation of targeted literacy programs. Aligned with the College's Strategic Plan, the role focuses on supporting student growth, particularly for those requiring additional assistance, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention. The specialists also play a crucial role in building teacher capacity through mentoring, coaching, and modelling effective classroom practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coach and mentor other teachers to build capacity and support professional growth.
• Design, implement, and evaluate targeted literacy and numeracy support programs, with a focus on Tier 2 (small group) and Tier 3 (individualised) interventions.
• Coordinate and oversee the delivery of support programs by literacy/numeracy teachers, integration staff, and aides.
• Expand and strengthen intervention strategies for students requiring additional learning assistance across all year levels.
• Promote inclusive teaching practices, including mixed-ability strategies, to enhance access and engagement for all students.

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.

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.