Overview Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time Salary: Salary not specified Grade: Learning Specialist - Range 3 Occupation: Learning specialist Location: Grampians - Ararat Reference: 1520536 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 Role In recognition of the importance of exemplary teaching practice for improved student learning outcomes, the key roles of the Learning Specialist as outlined by the DET 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 on their practice
* Providing evidence-based feedback to teaching staff to inform their effectiveness and development;
* Providing expert advice about the content, processes and strategies that will shape individual and school professional learning
* Supervising and training one or more preservice 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 including through seeking feedback from other teachers and leaders on their own classroom practice as part of critical reflection and inquiry to improve practice
Responsibilities Overview Maximising the learning growth of all students remains a key focus of Ararat College. The Learning Specialist for Literacy will play a key role in ensuring a whole school approach to the teaching of literacy is embedded across the school that utilises real time data and increases staff professional expertise. They will be required to work closely with the Principal Class Team, Learning Specialist for Numeracy and PLC Team. Core responsibilities of the role As Learning Specialist for Literacy, your duties include but are not limited to the following:
* Lead and manage the implementation of whole-school improvement initiatives related to the school strategic plan and school priorities
* Promote and assist school staff in the use of diagnostic, formative and summative assessment for responding to student ability levels
* Develop and oversee implementation of whole school assessment schedule, which includes PAT assessments
* Ensuring the Ararat College Teaching and Learning Model and State-Wide Reporting Levels are embedded through a documented curriculum
* Manage the development of the school's assessment and reporting policies and practices, including implementation of Common Assessment Tasks
* Lead staff in the development and implementation of high-quality Curriculum and Assessment/Feedback Practices, provide professional learning as required. Ensuring documented curriculum at all Year Levels is available online.
* Preparation of relevant curriculum handbook/s that document the learning opportunities for students at Ararat College
* Oversee the effective implementation of school literacy intervention program, MacqLit
* Track the progress of students in the literacy intervention
* Investigate the possible introduction of an extension-based intervention program for high ability students
* Ensure EAL students across the school are supported
* Work closely with the Disability Inclusion Team in supporting student literacy and learning needs
* Fulfil the role of Head of the English Faculty
* Oversee the effective implementation of Illuminate, our whole school reading program
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 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:///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:///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:///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 The city of Ararat is located between the Grampians and Pyrenees ranges, in the central highlands of Western Victoria, 200km from Melbourne, approximately 100kms west of Ballarat. Ararat has an estimated population of 11,500 people and offers country hospitality and country lifestyle. Ararat and the surrounding area has stunning natural attractions, mountains, national parks, historical buildings and plenty of local wines and farm produce. Please view the Ararat City Council website for more information http:/// Ararat College has a current enrolment of around 370 students. Students are transported to school on six country buses, with a variety of primary schools feeding into the College. The integration of students from small primary schools into a relatively large secondary is a challenge, which Ararat College believes it handles well. Ararat College is a school with strong traditions. In a caring, well-disciplined atmosphere, the college sets high standards in all aspects of student endeavour, behaviour and attire. Dedicated and talented teaching and support staff deliver engaging education opportunities to all students. Ararat College, in partnership with the community, provide an education that empowers young people to find their voice and thrive in any endeavour with respect, responsibility and excellence. The College makes a feature of encouraging, recognising and celebrating academic excellence, student leadership and co-curriculum participation. A comprehensive range of co-curricular activities are offered to students, including instrumental music, media programs, camps, State School Spectacular, band, theatre/musical production and sport programs. This supports the growth of students into confident, successful and contributing citizens. With commitment and support from staff and the community Ararat College looks to the future with great confidence and excitement. Applications close Thursday 26 March Posted 13 March 2026