Teacher - Alternative Learning Settings - Northam

Department of Education, Western Australia; Fitzroy Crossing; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ARI payment of $8,020 per year (pro R‑

Job summary

The School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) – Northam, part of the Department of Education, Western Australia, is inviting applications for a 12-month fixed-term, full-time teaching position commencing in Term 1, 2027 with possible extension or permanency. SALS focuses on short-term, intensive, student-centred education for students at risk of exclusion.

Successful applicants will work within a small, multidisciplinary team, developing individualised programs that incorporate social and

Responsibilities

• Deliver flexible, student-centred learning.
• Develop and implement individualised learning programs.
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to support student wellbeing and engagement.

Job description

This is a 12 month fixed term, full-time position commencing Term 1, 2027 with possible extension 12 months and/or permanency.

School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) – Northam

Teachers in Northam receive an attraction and incentive payment (ARI) of $8,020 per year (pro rata).

The School of Alternative Learning (SALS) is seeking to appoint a teacher for a fixed term position at the Northam site.

The School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) provides short-term, intensive and individualised education programs for students who have been excluded, or are at high risk of exclusion, from mainstream schooling due to complex and challenging behaviours.

At the commencement of the 2022 academic year the program was consolidated as a stand‑alone school. SALS delivers specialised activities and learning programs that build students’ social skills and self‑regulation in environments designed to effect positive and lasting change in their behaviour.

There are 13 SALS sites located in the metropolitan and regional education regions of Western Australia (one of which is our SALS Administration located in Padbury).

Our approach is grounded in positive youth development, recognising that every young person has strengths, potential and the capacity for positive change. Through a relationship‑based, trauma‑informed and culturally responsive approach, SALS creates safe, supportive and engaging learning environments where students can reconnect with education, develop their social and emotional capabilities, and build meaningful pathways towards their future.

The SALS program is underpinned by the Reclaiming Youth at Risk philosophy and the Circle of Courage, promoting the developmental needs of Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity. These principles, alongside Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools (TCIS), guide our approach to developing positive relationships, supporting emotional regulation and responding therapeutically to students experiencing distress or crisis.

Our Team and Working Environment

SALS sites operate with small, multidisciplinary teams, typically consisting of a Program Coordinator, three teachers, a Student Support Officer and access to a School Psychologist.

This collaborative model provides teachers with a unique opportunity to work closely with students, contribute to shared decision‑making and participate in an integrated approach to student wellbeing, engagement and learning.

The Role

We are seeking passionate, resilient and adaptable teachers who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. The successful applicant would thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment where building positive relationships, understanding individual student needs and creating opportunities for success are at the heart of teaching and learning.

Teachers at SALS play an integral role in delivering a flexible, student‑centred program that prioritises social and emotional development, student engagement and individual growth. Working within a multidisciplinary team, teachers develop and implement individualised learning programs that integrate explicit social and emotional learning, project‑based learning, literacy and numeracy, and practical, experiential learning opportunities.

A key component of the role is empowering students to take an active part in their learning through co‑design, building student agency, confidence, self‑awareness and a sense of belonging. Ideally, applicants are expected to display creativity and flexibility in their teaching practice, recognising that learning extends beyond the traditional classroom and may include community‑based activities, excursions and vocational experiences.

SALS operates within an ecological framework of support, recognising the importance of collaboration between students, families, schools and external agencies. Teachers contribute to individualised case management and transition planning, working collaboratively to support students in identifying and successfully transitioning into appropriate educational, training or employment pathways.

The successful applicant are required to hold and maintain a valid WA driver’s licence. Teachers in our setting may transport students in lease or hire vehicles, and/or travel to schools within the Metropolitan Region. There may also be travel across our school, to attend professional learning and support to other sites.

Making a Difference

Teaching at SALS offers an opportunity to make a genuine and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Success is measured not only through academic achievement, but also through the development of positive relationships, increased self‑belief, improved emotional regulation, renewed engagement with learning and successful transitions into future pathways.

We are looking for teachers who see the potential in every student, understand that behaviour is a form of communication, and believe that strong relationships, meaningful learning experiences and high expectations can create opportunities for lasting change.

Professional Benefits

Working for the Department of Education comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both your professional and personal well‑being. These benefits include competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, extensive training and career development opportunities, and attractive leave provisions.

Teachers in Northam receive an attraction and incentive payment (ARI) of $8,020 per year (pro rata).

Contact

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Sarah Gardner, Associate Principal on 0427 811 340 or by emailing [e-mail].

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our schools and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

• hold an eligible teacher qualification and registration.
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment. More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website.
• apply for a WA Working with Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 13 November 2026.