Classroom Teacher

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) provides a nationally and internationally recognised specialist program for the training of talented young dancers, musicians, theatre and visual artists. Students are encouraged to develop a passion for learning and a sense of respect for themselves and others. The school is committed to providing a safe and nurturing learning environment that recognises and caters for the different academic, artistic, cultural, health and pastoral needs of students. 

Students entering the school come to understand that a serious study of music, dance, theatre and visual arts requires a thorough technical training which begins at an early age, daily classes and many hours of practice, the nurturing of creativity, specialist teaching by highly skilled and experienced staff and high-quality performance and exhibition opportunities.

VCASS is a dynamic educational and operational environment. The primary campus is located  in the Melbourne Arts Precinct at Southbank and, in addition, the school utilises facilities at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and provides academic instruction for the Australian Ballet School. 

VCASS runs under a unique model and is operational over extended hours, with regular classes in some areas scheduled between 8am-5.30pm Monday-Friday and some staff have adjusted work schedules as a result. 

The performance and event schedule is significant, both in number of activities and the depth of the production quality, In working at VCASS, you will experience;

• Working in the Melbourne Arts Precinct in a purpose specific and award-winning building, readily accessible by public transport
• A vibrant performance, exhibition and event environment where student work is showcased
• A committed and passionate team of professionals
• An in-house Cafe with a great vibe & the finest Barista made coffee 
• A well-supported technology environment 

VCASS welcomes applications from people who are positive and enthusiastic that thrive on contributing to the education of an exceptional group of young people. We encourage anyone interested in working with our school to spend time reading information on our website to understand our unique school environment. www.vcass.vic.edu.au 

SC1    Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the ability to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated experience in responding to student learning needs.

SC2    Demonstrated experience in planning for and implementing high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn, and evaluating the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth. 

SC3    Demonstrated experience in monitoring and assessing student learning. Demonstrated experience in using data to inform teaching practice and providing feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.

SC4    Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, agency, wellbeing and engagement.

SC5    Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated experience in reflecting upon practice and engaging in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.

The classroom teacher classification comprises two salary ranges- range 1 and range 2.  The primary focus of the classroom teacher is on the planning, preparation and teaching of programs to achieve specific student outcomes.  The classroom teacher engages in critical reflection and inquiry in order to improve knowledge and skills to effectively engage students and improve their learning. 

As the classroom teacher gains experience his or her contribution to the school program beyond the classroom increases. All classroom teachers may be required to undertake other duties in addition to their rostered teaching duties provided the responsibility is appropriate to the salary range, qualifications, training and experience of the teacher.

Classroom teacher Range 2
Range 2 classroom teachers play a significant role in assisting the school to improve student performance and educational outcomes determined by the school strategic plan and state-wide priorities and contributing to the development and implementation of school policies and priorities.

A critical component of this work will focus on increasing the knowledge base of staff within their school about student learning and high quality instruction to assist their school to define quality teacher practice.

Range 2 classroom teachers will be expected to:
- Have the content knowledge and pedagogical practice to meet the diverse needs of all students
- Model exemplary classroom practice and mentor/coach other teachers in the school to engage in critical reflection of their practice and to support staff to expand their capacity
- Provide expert advice about the content, processes and strategies that will shape individual and school professional learning
- Supervise and train one or more student teachers
- Assist staff to use student data to inform teaching approaches that enable targets related to improving student learning outcomes to be achieved.

Classroom teacher Range 1
The primary focus of the range 1 classroom teacher is on further developing skills and competencies to become an effective classroom practitioner with structured support and guidance from teachers at higher levels and the planning, preparation and teaching of programs to achieve specific student outcomes. These teachers teach a range of students/classes and are accountable for the effective delivery of their programs.  Range 1 classroom teachers are skilled teachers who operate under general direct