Role
Leading teachers will be highly skilled classroom practitioners and undertake leadership and management roles commensurate with their salary range. The role of leading teachers is to improve the skill, knowledge and performance of the teaching workforce in a school or group of schools and to improve the curriculum program of a school.
Typically, leading teachers are responsible for coordinating a number of staff to achieve improvements in teaching and learning which may involve the coordination and professional support of colleagues through modelling, collaborating and coaching and using processes that develop knowledge, practice and professional engagement in others.
Leading teachers are expected to lead and manage a significant area or function within the school with a high degree of independence to ensure the effective development, provision and evaluation of the school's education program.
Leading teachers will be expected to make a significant contribution to policy development relating to teaching and learning in the school. A leading teacher has a direct impact and influence on the achievement of the school goals.
Leading teachers are usually responsible for the implementation of one or more priorities contained in the school strategic plan.
Responsibilities
In recognition of the importance of leadership and management combined with exemplary teaching practice for improved student learning outcomes, the key roles of the leading teachers may include but are not limited to:
1. Leading and managing the implementation of whole-school improvement initiatives related to the school strategic plan and school priorities
2. Leading and managing the implementation of whole-school improvement strategies related to curriculum planning and delivery;
3. Leading and managing the provision of professional development and developing individual and team development plans for teaching staff within the priorities of the school;
4. Leading and managing staff performance and development (review of staff);
5. Teaching demonstration lessons;
6. Leading and managing the development of the school's assessment and reporting policies and practices;
7. Leading and managing the implementation of the school operations and policies related to student welfare and discipline;
8. Leading the development of curriculum in a major learning area and participating in curriculum development in other areas;
9. Responsibility for general discipline matters beyond the management of classroom teachers;
10. Contributing to the overall leadership and management of the school;
11. Contributing to the development of proposals for school council consideration;
12. Developing and managing the school code of conduct.
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 values diversity and is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunity in schools and all education workplaces. 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.
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 DET’s Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DET’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 DET 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
Sunbury Downs College is a vibrant Year 7 to 12 co-educational secondary college situated in the regional town of Sunbury. It is a growing co-educational secondary college with student enrolment numbers around 600
The College offers a rich educational experience in an environment with excellent educational outcomes, high expectation and strong student management. The College regards itself as an academic school with a wide range of programs. There is a strong emphasis on core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Physical Education; complemented by programs in the Arts/Technology, Performing Arts, Health and Languages (Italian). The school also offers a range of VCE subjects, including some VETiS studies and a structured, rigorous VCAL program in Years 10-12. Sunbury Downs College prides itself on having a reputation for helping students achieve outstanding VCE results, showing that students have the `Confidence to Achieve¿.
The College offers an Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) program, extending students through a challenging curriculum including early commencement of VCE. The ACE program is a select entry course with enrolment from the feeder primary schools, for students in Years 7-9. The College also offers a Scholars program for students in Years 10 and 11 to provide students with a range of opportunities in the Later Years. The College is an accredited International Student Program provider.
Sunbury Downs College offers a wide range of inclusive activities and programs which cater to all students in Years 7-12. Some of these include Debating and Public Speaking, Maths Club, Drama Club and Choir. The College also has a House and Sports program with whole school carnivals for Athletics and Swimming. There are Year Level and specialised camps and excursions, including a bi-annual overseas Italian Study Tour. The College has a well-established Student Voice program with an enthusiastic Student Voice and Captaincy team. The College offers instrumental music tuition and presents a highly acclaimed Musical Production, enabling students to excel in the Performing Arts in an environment that fosters participation, responsibility and teamwork outside the classroom.
Sunbury Downs College is proud to be in partnership with its community with local organisations and agencies providing support for its students. Some of these partnerships include feeder schools, local businesses and many universities, including the University of Melbourne. The school acknowledges that it is the links with the outside world that extends the offerings for students and community.
Sunbury Downs Secondary College currently has a leadership profile consisting of Principal, 2 Assistant Principals, 5 Leading Teachers and 3 Learning Specialists. There are approximately 55 classroom teachers, 4 Paraprofessionals and 26 Education Support staff. The Student Family Occupation Education (SFOE) index is in 2020.
Sunbury Downs College Values of Respectful Relationships, Ambitious Expectations, Resilient Behaviours, Successful Outcomes and Community Engagement underpin the expected behaviours for all members of the Sunbury Downs College community