About the Role:

Are you a passionate and empathetic educator with a heart for supporting children with additional needs? Do you believe in the power of play as a tool for learning, growth, and connection? Tradewind are looking for a dedicated Special Education Teacher to lead a unique, play-based program - Learn 2 Play.

Learn 2 Play is a thoughtfully designed program that uses imaginative and structured play to help students develop essential skills in pretend play and social interaction. Through guided play, students explore their world, express themselves, and build critical developmental foundations including: Language and communication, Self-regulation, Social and emotional skills, Problem-solving and creative thinking

Key Duties:

• Deliver structured Learn to Play sessions focused on developing pretend play, communication (using visuals, gestures, and modelling), social interaction, self-regulation, emotional awareness, and problem-solving skills.
• Adapt and differentiate the play-based curriculum to meet individual learning styles and sensory needs to students working at pre-Foundation curriculum levels.
• Incorporate visual schedules, choice boards, and structured routines to support predictability and engagement.
• Use naturalistic and explicit teaching strategies to promote skill generalisation during play.
• Foster the development of functional communication using a range of supports, such as: Visual supports, signs, and gesture-based communication, Repetition, modelling, and scaffolding techniques
• Support students in recognising, expressing, and managing their emotions during play and transitions.
• Implement proactive self-regulation strategies, including: Calm spaces and sensory supports and Role-playing and storytelling around feelings and imagination/creation.
• Maintain high expectations and promote student agency and independence, even with complex needs.
• Ensure that learning environments are safe, inclusive, and responsive to diverse cultural and developmental needs.

Skills & Experience:

• Must have unrestricted working rights in Australia
• Must have current VIT registration
• Previous experience in a Special Development schools advantageous
• A warm, nurturing approach and a strong understanding of special education
• A creative mindset and a belief in the power of play-based learning
• Experience (or a keen interest) in working with students with diverse learning needs including students that are non-verbal
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A collaborative spirit and a growth mindset
• Ability to provide contact details for two education-based references from within the last 5 years (student-teacher mentors are acceptable).

Offering:

• Full time, fixed term contract beginning early June
• Work within a small and supportive Specialist team
• An opportunity to tour the school prior to full application
• Salary based on experience- $78k-$116k

The School

• Approximately 200 students ranging from Foundation to Year 12
• Small class sizes of under 10 students with each class allocated two Education Support staff
• Ample protected planning time for teachers
• Training and professional development provided to all teachers/staff
• Supportive network of colleagues and leadership

Why work with Tradewind?
Tradewind Australia is a specialist, education recruitment agency and is the preferred supplier of teachers for many schools across the greater Melbourne / Victoria region. We have a strong reputation of providing high calibre teachers with fantastic contract opportunities and helping to pursue a rewarding career. Our aim is to cultivate an excellent ongoing relationship with you throughout your growing career.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the link provided or apply on our website

For any queries regarding the position or application process, contact the Tahlia Schueren at the Permanent Team on 03 9110 0091 or email

TRADEWIND AUSTRALIA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.

We welcome applications from people who reflect the diversity of the organisations we partner with, and the people they support. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people with disability and lived experience to apply