Teacher - Alternative Learning Settings - Northam

Department of Education, Western Australia; Shire Of Northam; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ARI incentive payments

Job summary

The Department of Education, Western Australia is seeking a dedicated teacher for the School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) – Northam on a 12-month fixed-term, full-time basis commencing Term 1, 2027, with a possible extension to 12 months and/or permanency.

You will deliver flexible, student-centred programs for students at risk of exclusion, work within a small multidisciplinary team, and collaborate to support transitions into education, training or employment.

Job description

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

Note: This position is being advertised as part of a recruitment pilot designed to simplify the application process for teachers. A mandatory CV template is provided for use. Application requirements include character limited responses to address only 2 Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) domains at application stage. The remaining AITSL domain will be assessed as part of the further assessment stage, for shortlisted applicants only.

Please ensure you download the CV template attached to the advertisement and carefully review the new application instructions and attached Information Guides before applying. You must apply using the CV template only. Application documents in any other format will not be accepted.

School of Alternative Learning Settings (SALS) – Northam

Please note that 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. Here are some of the key benefits you will enjoy:

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

Find out more about the benefits by visiting .

For additional information to all allowances and housing please contact Housing and Transport at or on [phone].

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 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must:

• hold an eligible .
• 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 .
• apply for a WA Working with Children Check before you start; and
• consent to a 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.

Advertised Vacancy Number: SS/TCH1070665

Suitable applicants may be considered for similar vacancies arising within the next 12 months following this selection process. This may include circumstances where the successful applicant declines or vacates the position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.