Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Leading Teacher - Range 3
Occupation: Leading teacher
Location: Barwon South West - Greater Geelong
Reference: 1541444
Demonstrated capacity for outstanding classroom teaching and instructional leadership, with a record of improving student engagement and outcomes in science, mathematics, or STEM education.
Expert knowledge of curriculum design and implementation, particularly in science and STEM, with the ability to lead staff in developing innovative, inquiry-based programs aligned to the Victorian Curriculum and VCE.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to inspire, mentor, and develop colleagues in a collaborative and professional learning culture.
Ability to use data and evidence to evaluate and improve teaching practice and program effectiveness.
Proven ability to contribute strategically, working as part of a leadership team to plan, implement, and review whole-centre teaching and learning priorities.
Demonstrated high-level skills and experience in developing and delivering professional learning programs that build teacher capacity, support contemporary teaching and learning practices, and respond effectively to emerging curriculum, STEM and educational priorities.
The Assistant Director (Teaching & Learning/Professional Learning) plays a key leadership role in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative STEM curriculum and teaching and learning practice at Ecolinc. In addition, the Assistant Director (Teaching & Learning/Professional Learning) will be responsible to lead professional learning at the centre as well as providing a range of external professional learning opportunities for teachers from across the state.
This position provides professional leadership and guidance to the teaching team, ensuring that programs are of the highest quality, align with curriculum frameworks, and incorporate effective, research-informed pedagogies. The Leading Teacher supports the professional growth of colleagues, fosters collaboration, and contributes to the strategic development of teaching and learning at Ecolinc and across Victoria.
The role involves leading curriculum design and review, mentoring staff, developing professional learning programs, and ensuring that Ecolinc continues to deliver high-impact, contemporary science and mathematics education for students and teachers across Victoria.
Curriculum Leadership
Lead the design, development, and evaluation of Ecolinc programs aligned to the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, VCE and Department/Tech School Division priorities.
Ensure programs integrate inquiry-based learning, STEM education, sustainability, and real-world scientific contexts.
Lead the development of new and innovative programs to build Ecolinc¿s standing as a centre of excellence in environmental education.
Teaching and Learning
Model exemplary teaching practice and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and reflective practice among staff.
Lead and support teachers in developing effective instructional strategies that engage students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Use evidence-informed practices and data to evaluate program impact and improve learning outcomes.
Support consistent and high-quality teaching practice across all programs.
Staff Development and Mentoring
Develop a range of professional learning opportunities for Ecolinc teaching staff in line with Ecolinc¿s annual and long term priorities.
Lead the development and delivery of high-quality, annual professional learning opportunities that support Victorian teachers to enhance their practice and build their STEM capabilities.
Support staff in professional goal setting, reflective practice, and participation in performance and development processes.
Mentor and coach teachers in curriculum planning, assessment, and pedagogical approaches.
Foster collaboration, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the teaching team.
Partnerships and Professional Learning
Assist the leadership team to collaborate with schools, universities, and industry partners to enhance the quality and reach of Ecolinc¿s programs.
Promote Ecolinc¿s educational initiatives through networking, conferences, and Department forums.
Centre Leadership and Operations
Contribute to the strategic direction and operational planning of Ecolinc as part of the leadership team.
Support the implementation of Ecolinc and Department policies, priorities, and improvement strategies.
Actively contribute to the ongoing development of Ecolinc as a state-wide centre of excellence in STEM education.
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.
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 [email protected]
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.
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://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
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://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
Qualifications and Requirements
Approved teaching qualifications and current registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
Extensive teaching experience in Science, Mathematics, or STEM education.
Demonstrated leadership experience in curriculum development, professional learning, or educational innovation.
Current First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class:
Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools.
Ecolinc is one of six specialist STEM centres funded by the Department of Education (DoE) situated on the site of Bacchus Marsh College. Ecolinc's area of specialism is the environment, conservation and sustainability.
Ecolinc develops and delivers a range of innovative P-12 curriculum programs that encompass new and emerging technologies and state-of-the-art facilities and resources designed to engage and inspire the next generation to be curious, creative and future-focused STEM thinkers. Students engage in real-world STEM applications, field work opportunities and hands-on experiences that enable them to gain the skills necessary to respond to 21st century challenges.
Ecolinc's programs are delivered onsite, via outreach, online, video conferencing and through a variety of environmental field-trips. Ecolinc also provides a range of specialised student programs and teacher professional learning. Ecolinc is continuously reflecting on good practice and enhancing its range of programs to meet the diverse needs of students state-wide with a particular focus on access and equity.
Established in 2005, Ecolinc was one of the original three state-wide specialist science centres. Participation rates have grown considerably over the years with approximately 35,000 P-12 students from across Victoria participating in an Ecolinc program annually.
Ecolinc is a unique ESD (ecologically sustainable designed) educational facility for students and teachers, incorporating a range of technologies and resources to support innovation and excellence in sustainable environmental education. All of Ecolinc's programs are aligned to the Victorian Curriculum 2.0/VCE.
Ecolinc is located within walking distance (approximately 200m) to the Bacchus Marsh Railway Station (Ballarat /Melbourne line), thus providing easy access to the facility via public transport. Ecolinc has a wetland onsite, glasshouse and propagation facilities, a habitat garden and a range of specialised equipment that students use as part of their programs.