Ecolinc Leading Teacher Range 3 - Assistant Director (Teaching & Learning/Professional Learning)

Department of Education Victoria; Bacchus Marsh; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ecolinc, part of the Department of Education Victoria, Bacchus Marsh, is seeking an experienced Assistant Director (Teaching & Learning/Professional Learning) to lead STEM curriculum development and professional learning across Victoria. The role provides professional leadership to the teaching team, ensuring high-quality programs align with curriculum frameworks and research-informed practices.

You will mentor staff, develop and deliver professional learning, collaborate with schools and

Qualifications

• Approved teaching qualifications and current registration with VIT.
• Extensive teaching experience in Science, Mathematics, or STEM.
• Leadership experience in curriculum development, professional learning, or educational innovation.
• Current First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and evaluation of programs aligned to the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and VCE.
• Promote inquiry-based learning, STEM integration, and real-world contexts.
• Develop and deliver high-quality professional learning for teachers.
• Mentor staff and support performance and development processes.
• Collaborate with schools, universities and industry partners to extend program reach.
• Contribute to leadership, operations and strategic planning of Ecolinc.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum design

Mentoring

Professional learning

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Approved teaching qualifications

Current VIT registration

STEM teaching experience

Job description

Ecolinc Leading Teacher Range 3 - Assistant Director (Teaching & Learning/Professional Learning)

Department of Education Victoria – Bacchus Marsh VIC

11d ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria

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.

Selection Criteria

• 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 evidenceto 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.

Role

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.

Responsibilities

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.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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*******@education.vic.gov.au

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.

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:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values

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

Other Information

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).

Conditions of Employment

• All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx

Qualification Requirements

To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class:

• The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and
• if the person completed an Australian postgraduate level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, they must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed a postgraduate level accredited initial teacher education program that has been accredited by an Australian State or Territory Teacher Regulatory Authority as satisfying the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 'Accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures'; and
• a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program after 1 July 2016 must also 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 ITE program completed by the person).

Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found atRecruitment in Schools.