Teacher

About Studio Schools of Australia Ltd

Studio Schools of Australia (SSA) was established in 2019 to bring about a “system” level change in secondary education for Indigenous students in remote communities across northern Australia. This “system level” reform is based on well-established evidence of what works for Indigenous students, their families and communities, in a scalable, proven work-related model of education introduced at the Yiramalay / Wesley Studio School in the Kimberley, Western Australia, in 2010.

SSA’s mission is to enable Indigenous students to lead their own advancement and to take a valuable and meaningful place in their own communities and within Australia.

SSA is committed to being a child safe environment, and we actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students. All staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment.

Overview

Join an innovative system of residential schools that are on country across the remote north of Australia. In partnership with the Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC), this initiative is co-led and co-designed with local communities to foster Indigenous success with a strong focus on local culture and language. Situated on Bunuba Country, approximately an hour from Fitzroy Crossing, the school’s mission is to empower Indigenous students to create a future filled with pride, belonging, and achievement. The school is a place of practical, hands-on learning with a holistic learning framework. Learning is integrated across the day with a focus on health and wellbeing.

The Four Circles of Learning are embedded within the school, providing a holistic educational framework. This framework integrates Indigenous Language and Culture, Academic Learning, Personal and Social Learning, and Enterprise Learning to provide a holistic education. The mother circle of Indigenous Language and Culture circle grounds students in their cultural identity, boosting their self-efficacy and sense of self. Academic Learning focuses on intellectual development and preparing students for the future by enhancing their capacity for independent learning. Personal and Social Learning helps students envision a confident and successful future as Indigenous Australians. Finally, Enterprise Learning aims to develop dispositions in our students to ensure they become productive members of local community, who are driven to support those around them.

The school supports the Two-Way learning approach where you will be both teacher and learner – learning from students, the land, the local community, local Elders and each other. On country champions learning through experience and the program connects students to traditional learning practices that explore the local land, culture and community. Guided by teachers, mentors, and local Elders, students learn about the local environment, customs, cultures and history while developing social, industry, communication, numeracy, and literacy skills.

Responsibilities

• Designing lessons that encourage inquiry and incorporate on country, experiential, ‘hands-on’ approaches to teaching and learning in a variety of settings.
• Using curriculum documents to plan a developmentally appropriate educational program which fosters the development of the whole person.
• Exploring ways to use Aboriginal languages in the classroom.
• Openness to teach across more than one subject area.
• Working in close collaboration with students on their Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Using technology to enhance learning.
• Participating in the co-curricular program for students during the afternoon and/or evening program and on weekends.
• Using data to drive improvements in teaching and learning.
• Contributing positively to the curriculum development of the school – creating, developing and evaluating resources for the implementation of the curriculum.
• Being sensitive to students experiencing personal, social or organisational problems, and maintain appropriate discretion in this regard.
• Liaising with relevant colleagues regarding pastoral concerns with the students.
• Deeply engaging in ongoing professional development and professional review.

Requirements

• You will be required to hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), and to be registered to, or be eligible, with the Teacher Registration Board of WA (TRBWA).
• A strong interest in Aboriginal culture, traditions and issues, and a valuing of diversity.
• A strong interest in working with young Aboriginal people so they can experience success and flourish.
• Understanding of Trauma Responsive Practices.
• Demonstrated teaching experience – provision of curriculum and activities that enable all students to achieve their highest potential.
• Experience differentiating for a variety of needs in the classroom, including EAL/D and learning challenges.
• The ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with students, staff and community members.
• A willingness to engage in the co-curricular program of the school.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to the importance of student assessment and reporting.
• Proven ability to work in a dynamic and busy workplace.
• Ability to be resilient when working with staff, students and community members.
• Capacity to utilise personal strategies for maintaining personal wellbeing.
• Ability to use technology to enhance learning, communication and systems.

Desirable

• Experience in teaching Aboriginal students and communities or in a culturally diverse setting.
• Experience in positive education or using trauma-informed practices.
• TAFE or VCAL experience.

Benefits

Salary up to $120k base, depending on experience.

Other benefits include remote location allowance + free accommodation + meals + flights + salary packaging.

Employment

Due to Australian immigration regulations, applicants must have Australian work rights. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from different cultural backgrounds.

Applicants will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC), all appointments at Studio Schools of Australia are subject to child protection legislation and pre-employment screening.