Learning Specialist

Learning Specialist – Inclusive Education Department of Education Victoria – Laverton, WA 6 days ago from Department of Education & Training Victoria Western Autistic School’s vision is to provide a dedicated school for students with autism. We aim to create a nurturing environment for autistic students in grades Prep to Year 3 through personalized support and collaborative teaching, empowering each child to thrive socially and academically while celebrating diversity and building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. School Profile The Western Autistic School is a large, vibrant, and unique school in the western suburbs of Melbourne. We offer an early years program for 300+ young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Prep to Grades 3. Our school synthesises an evidence base from student‑centred, strengths‑based approaches and contemporary research in autism and inclusive education to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for each student. The individual student is the focus of our teaching. Each student is provided with an Individual Learning Plan in collaboration with the student, their family, and the teaching team. We emphasize foundational skills in social communication and functional areas alongside academic skills, particularly literacy and numeracy. We maintain small classes of approximately eight students with a teaching team of teachers, education support staff, and allied health professionals. We provide an individualized transition program for children to move on to their local neighbourhood school. Selection Criteria SC1 Demonstrated expert knowledge of the relevant curriculum and the ability to model exemplary teaching practice, including literacy and numeracy across the curriculum. SC2 Demonstrated expertise in implementing and modelling high‑impact teaching strategies that respond to student learning needs and the ability to support teachers in evaluating the impact of learning and teaching programs on student growth. SC3 Demonstrated ability to monitor and assess student learning at a class, cohort, or whole‑school level and use data to lead improvement initiatives, supporting others in using data to inform teaching practice. SC4 Demonstrated exemplary interpersonal and leadership skills, leading collaborative relationships with students, colleagues, parents, and the broader school community focused on learning, agency, wellbeing, and engagement. SC5 Demonstrated ability to model behaviours and attitudes with Department values and support colleagues to adopt these behaviours, reflecting on practice and contributing to whole‑school professional learning. Role Learning Specialists will be highly skilled classroom practitioners who spend the majority of their time delivering high‑quality teaching and learning, while also engaging in responsibilities such as teaching demonstration lessons, observing and providing feedback to teachers, and facilitating school‑based professional learning. They model excellence in teaching, improving the skill, knowledge, and effectiveness of the teaching workforce. Provide consultation to mainstream teachers to build teaching capabilities that support the participation of autistic students, using a student‑centred, strength‑based approach in line with human rights and legal requirements. Implement effective inclusive education teaching strategies based on current evidence for students exiting Western Autistic School. Support teachers to evaluate and plan individualized learning programs for students transitioning to mainstream schools. Establish and maintain good relationships with mainstream schools in Western Melbourne, including principals, leaders, wellbeing staff, and student support services. Engage in professional learning opportunities, fostering a close relationship with the Autism Teaching Institute. Lead and manage professional development, developing individual and team development plans aligned with school priorities. Teach demonstration lessons and supervise/mentor student teachers. Report to the Assistant Principal – Inclusive Education or Principal of Western Autistic School. Who May Apply Teachers currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and qualified to teach or who have demonstrated experience in the specified curriculum area. Diversity and Inclusion The Department is committed to diversity and inclusion, valuing all forms of cultural, gender, religious, ethnic, LGBTIQA+, disability, and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The Department promotes flexible work and provides reasonable adjustments for staff with disability. Child Safe Standards Victorian government schools are child‑safe environments. All staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in accordance with child‑safe standards. Child Safety Code of Conduct Other Information A written response to each of the Selection Criteria is mandatory. Up to three referees who can comment on your application in relation to the Selection Criteria. Referees other than those nominated may be contacted by the Panel. This position is based at Western Autistic School – 1 Burnley Street, Laverton. Conditions of Employment Access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. Appointment subject to a satisfactory pre‑employment conditions check. Probationary period may apply during the first year of employment; induction and support programs provided. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department’s Human Resources website at HR Web . Qualification Requirements Provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching. If completed an Australian postgraduate‑level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, must demonstrate satisfactory completion of a postgraduate‑level accredited initial teacher education program. A Victorian initial teacher education (ITE) graduate after 1 July 2016 must have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE). #J-18808-Ljbffr