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:
1. Demonstrating high-level expertise in teaching and learning practice
2. Modelling exemplary classroom practice including through teaching demonstration lessons
3. Working with the school leadership team to develop a shared view of highly effective teacher practice
4. Leading and modelling the implementation of whole-school improvement strategies related to curriculum planning and delivery
5. 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
6. Modelling effective learning practice and supporting teachers to seek, analyse and act on feedback and on their practice
7. Providing evidence-based feedback to teaching staff to inform their effectiveness and development
8. Providing expert advice about the context, processes and strategies that will shape individual and school professional learning
9. Supervising and training one or more student teachers and mentoring and/or coaching teachers
10. Modelling exemplary use of student data to inform teaching approaches
11. Developing and promoting school-wide professional learning structures, processes and protocols through Professional Learning Communities
12. 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.
EEO AND OHS Commitment
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms – gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, 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 family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see ).
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants can contact Brett West, Yamatji man, in the Koorie Outcomes Division to talk about the recruitment process, the Department and supports for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the Department. Mobile: 0477 726 801 or email on:
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:
DE Values
The Department’s employees commit to upholding DE’s Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DE’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 DE values is available at:
Other Information
13. All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
14. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
15. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
16. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at
Conditions of Employment
17. All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
18. Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
19. A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
20. Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at
VIT LANTITE
To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class a person must have provisional or full registration from the Victorian Institute of Teaching. In addition, from 3 August 2020, to be eligible for employment in the principal class or teacher class, a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education program after 1 July 2016, must 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 Initial Teacher Education program completed by the person.
Location Profile
Mirripoa comes from the Wadawurrung language and means sunny plains. The school is located in Mount Duneed approximately 10 kilometres from Geelong.
In 2023, Mirripoa Primary School has an enrolment of 420 students with 18 grades. The enrolment in 2024 is expected to reach 500 as the school is located in a growth area. The school values are respect, excellence, and kindness. The school motto is Learning and Growing Together. The school vision is: Together we inspire and grow curious learners who think critically and thrive in their communities.
Our school focusses on creating opportunities for excellence for all students. Our professional and caring staff continually strive to improve student outcomes by using evidenced-based teaching strategies to inform their practice using collaborative planning and reflection. They provide individualised approaches to foster each student’s academic and social development. We work in partnership with the school community to create a safe, friendly and inclusive environment where every child is known, valued and supported in their learning.
The school curriculum is based on the Victorian Curriculum, delivering outstanding academic achievement with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy. We use an integrated inquiry approach to curriculum planning that links curriculum content across different subjects in meaningful ways for our students. The school offers specialist programs in the performing arts, STEM, visual arts and PE.
The school comprises of an administration building, two learning community buildings, relocatables and a performing arts and physical education (PAPE) building. The contemporary learning environments include a range of learning settings that support various modes of learning and teaching. The design allows all students to reach their potential.
Other Information
This Learning Specialist position is a tenured position of 3 years.