Teaching Learning Officer - Aboriginal Education

Location: Manuka, Canberra
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary Range: Grade 6 $121,552 to $133,703 + Superannuation (based on skills and experience)
Start Date: May 2024
Closing Date: 11.55 pm, Sunday 28 April 2024

Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn (CECG) plays an integral role in education in the ACT and NSW, operating 56 Catholic Systemic Schools and eight Early Learning Centres.

The Catholic Education Office is committed to workforce diversity and creating inclusive workplaces. We welcome applications from suitable candidates from all diversity groups to support our system of schools and early learning centres in delivering quality education outcomes for the students in our care.

About the Role

As the Teacher Learning Officer for Aboriginal Education, you will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education across the Archdiocese and engage with leaders, teachers, and students including their families and community. This role will promote, affirm, celebrate, and acknowledge Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander perspectives, assisting school communities in developing culturally responsive environments and ensuring that cultural alignment exists.

The incumbent will provide leadership and support to enhance the learning, well-being, and cultural outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and to develop further the understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to Principals and school staff in collaboration with other CE officers by providing advice and support on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education including cultural responsiveness, community protocols, and professional development for all school staff including Aboriginal Education Workers (AEWs).
• Develop and implement Culturally Safe & Responsive Schools initiatives and programs for the system to support understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, cultures, and histories.
• Support Aboriginal Education Contact Teachers in schools by fostering networking opportunities and resource development.
• Support the implementation of the Australian cross-curriculum priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in all teaching and learning programs.
• Assist teachers in developing programs and resources for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students with emphasis on Aboriginal cultures and histories providing practical strategies within these programs to ensure cultural inclusivity.
• Organise professional development opportunities for all staff which builds cultural understanding.
• Coordinate and promote major Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander celebrations/events, including coordinating Sorry Day, NAIDOC week activities, NAIDOC awards, and NAIDOC Mass and Reconciliation Week. Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within Archdiocesan celebrations/ events and in school faith development programs.
• Coordinate and support the work of the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC).
• Support teachers through tailored professional learning that assist in the improvement of curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment with focus on literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students in accordance with schools’ annual improvement plans.
• Prepare briefs to the Education Lead relating to any school, system, government communication or requirement that needs attention, providing any necessary recommendations.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Positive and collaborative workplace culture
• Permanent contract
• Attractive remuneration package
• Access to salary packaging, including novated leasing
• 24 weeks of paid parental leave (maternity/adoption)
• Up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave (paternity/non-initial primary carer leave)
• Support for professional development and study opportunities

Essential Criteria

• This role is for an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Communication with Aboriginal families and forming partnerships with local Aboriginal organisations and Elders are essential.
• Sound understanding of and ability to articulate the Church’s mission in Catholic education.
• Ability to provide information and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities within schools.
• Understanding and ability to develop links between the school and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to influence key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage changes effectively and deliver quality results.
• Ability to travel to collaborate with school leaders and teachers on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Perspectives and Cultural Competency.

Please refer to the position description for in-depth details regarding the position duties, criteria, and skill set required.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a current resume and cover letter addressing the essential criteria outlined above. The cover letter should be no more than three pages.

Further information about the role and Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn is available on the website.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact Amy Tallon, People & Culture Officer, on 0459943831 or via email at amy.tallon@cg.catholic.edu.au.