Special Needs Teacher (Primary) – permanent, full-time
About Us:Established in 1981, ISMS provides Montessori education from birth through primary school. Our vision is to offer a comprehensive Montessori education that fosters self-discovery, holistic development, and a lifelong love of learning within a vibrant, connected and values-driven community.
The Opportunity:Are you an experienced, motivated, and passionate Special and Gifted Needs Teacher with a deep respect for Montessori philosophy? If so, you may be the person we are looking for!
We are seeking a full-time Special and Gifted Needs Teacher, to commence in Term 2, who will work with children within a Primary classroom, nurturing their curiosity and supporting their development in a Montessori environment. You will assist with the delivery of classroom activities as well as targeted intervention programs designed for identified students. This position requires working collaboratively with teaching staff to reinforce key learning concepts, provide differentiated support and help students build confidence and independence in their learning.
Key Responsibilities
* Assessment and individualised planning:
o Completion of diagnostic assessments
o Development of individualised education plans and extension plans tailored to Montessori classroom expectations and child development trajectories
o Maintenance of comprehensive documentation of student progress
o Communication of findings effectively to staff and parents.
* Remedial and extension instruction:
o Deliver targeted small-group and 1:1 intervention sessions for literacy, numeracy, executive functioning, and social-emotional development
o Provide enrichment and extension lessons for high-potential learners, aligned with Montessori materials and independent project-based learning
o Ensure interventions support autonomy, concentration, and purposeful work in keeping with Montessori principles.
* Teacher and parent training:
o Coach classroom teachers in strategies for differentiation, inclusion, behavioural support, and neurodiversity-affirming practice
o Provide regular workshops, observations, modelling sessions, and written guidance for staff
o Offer parent education sessions to support home-school consistency and empower families in understanding learning needs.
* Collaboration and professional practice:
o Work as part of a multidisciplinary support team to ensure holistic child development
o Participate in regular case conferences, cycle-level planning meetings, and collaborative discussion about student learning pathways
o Build and maintain a comprehensive network of contacts and external resources
* Stay current with research in special education, gifted education, and Montessori pedagogy, integrating evidence-based practice into daily work.
* Environment and compliance:
o Maintain an organised, calm, supportive learning space that reflects Montessori values of independence and respect
o Ensure all interventions comply with child safety, disability legislation, NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements, and school policies.
Ideal Candidate
* Passionate about education and Montessori philosophy, and interested in the use of Montessori pedagogy to help children with special learning needs to thrive
* Supports children and their families with effective communication
* Builds respectful and trusting relationships with children
* Collaborates cohesively with teachers, parents, and professionals
* Uses diverse teaching techniques to achieve high educational standards
* Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Qualifications and Experience
* Bachelor's degree in education or equivalent teaching qualification, with corresponding NESA registration
* Formal special education qualification (e.g. Masters or Graduate Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education, or equivalent)
* Demonstrated capacity to conduct a range of educational assessments and interpret data meaningfully
* Experience designing and implementing targeted intervention programs for primary-aged children
* Strong communication skills with the ability to coach adults and collaborate effectively with teachers and families
* Strong interest in using the benefits of child-led Montessori pedagogy to effect outcomes in special and extended learning cases
* Ability to obtain a Working with Children Check.
* Highly desirable
o AMI Montessori training (Elementary/Primary 6-12) or interest in obtaining Montessori certification
o Experience working in a Montessori environment or similar child-led pedagogical setting
o Training in gifted education, neurodiversity-affirming practice, or specific evidence-based intervention programmes.
Key Attributes
* Deep respect for children and commitment to Montessori principles
* Warm, patient and empathetic approach to supporting diverse learners
* Strong observational skills and ability to modify practice responsively
* Excellent organisational skills and clarity in written and verbal communication
* Commitment to ongoing professional learning, reflective practice, and team-based problem solving.
What We Offer
* Innovative and connected workplace
* Supportive and dedicated team
* The opportunity to incorporate special learning best practice into the Montessori pedagogy and develop the school as a leader in this field
* Development opportunities, including the ability to assist with and guide earlier years assessment and interventions
* Employee wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport.
How to Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and references to by Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Early applications are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more information, visit ourwebsite or call us to arrange a visit.
Salary: Competitive salary in accordance with the Independent Schools (Teachers) Cooperative Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2025.
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