Leader of Pedagogy/Secondary Literacy Coach and Secondary English Teacher

Position Purpose

The Leader of Pedagogy supports the principal in the instructional leadership of the school and is a member of the leadership team. It is essential that the person in this role has the capacity to model quality learning and teaching, a desire to undertake deep research and professional reading and an ability to translate theory into action in order to increase teacher capacity and lift student faith and learning outcomes.

The Secondary Literacy Coach provides leadership and support to build curriculum-specific literacy capabilities of teachers and students. First work is to ensure collective staff understanding of the secondary teacher as subject-specific literacy teacher, to discern teacher literacy learning needs and to initiate professional learning, modelling, co-teaching and class visit opportunities to build teacher confidence and capability. System-wide there will be an initial focus on writing in the subject areas.

The Secondary Literacy Coach challenges the traditional literacy role where the specialist in the secondary school is more likely to be involved in remedial activities with students, carried out in isolation from the core classroom teaching. It has been recognised that a greater positive impact on student literacy outcomes comes from repositioning the work of the literacy specialist to focus on building the professional capabilities of teachers in order to reach all students and minimise the numbers requiring remedial interventions.

Commencement

The commencement date for this position will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Selection criteria

Essential criteria

• Appropriate teaching qualifications and current NESA registration

• Demonstrated deep knowledge of contemporary pedagogical practices and 7-10 curriculum, with a demonstrated ability to implement these practices to a very high standard in contemporary classrooms.

• Demonstrated knowledge of content and pedagogy associated with secondary English (7-10).

• Deep understanding of literacy learning in the secondary setting and (preferred) appropriate literacy qualifications and/or relevant literacy professional learning/ willingness to engage in ongoing professional literacy learning.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the capacity to develop productive and caring relationships with students, parents and staff where the focus is on the learning and well-being of the student.

• Demonstrated highly effective leadership, collaboration, communication, organisation and time management skills with an ability to work as part of a professional learning team, contribute to the building of model instructional teams, and make positive contributions to staff professional culture.

• Demonstrated capacity to build, develop and maintain effective teams and develop cooperative and constructive working relationships that promote quality teaching and learning practices

• Ability to successfully initiate, plan, implement, review and renew programs in response to new educational needs and priorities.

• Demonstrated capacity to evaluate and critically reflect upon professional practice and to assist and support colleagues to develop their own skills through involvement in professional development, particularly in the areas of literacy and pedagogy.

• Success in implementing effective improvements in a school setting.

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of relevant recent professional development related to Religious Education, Leadership and Curriculum.

• Proficient in the use of ICT.

• Demonstrated skills in negotiation and conflict resolution.

• Proven capacity to build relationships with all groups in the school community.

Application

For questions regarding the professional nature of this position, please contact St Philomena’s on (02) 6752 1577 or email jmcdowall@arm.catholic.edu.

Before submitting your application, please ensure the following:

• You have carefully read the position description and ensure you understand the role you are applying for and that it is suited to your skills, experience and qualifications.

• Complete the relevant online application form by clicking here  and attach a cover letter (optional) and CV that clearly outlines your qualifications and career history.

Preferred applicants must have the right to work in Australia and will be subject to employment screening.