Secondary Literacy Support Teacher

School: Mansfield Steiner School
Location: Mansfield, Victoria, Australia
Position Type: 0.6 – 1.0 FTE
Reports to: Head of Secondary / Learning Support Coordinator

1. About Mansfield Steiner School

Mansfield Steiner School is a vibrant, independent school nestled in the beautiful High Country of North-East Victoria. We offer a unique educational journey from Early Childhood through to Class 12, based on the principles of Steiner education. Our curriculum is designed to educate the whole adolescent—head, heart, and hands—fostering intellectual rigour, emotional resilience, and ethical judgment. In the secondary years, we challenge students to think critically, engage with complex concepts, and find their purpose and place in the world, all within a supportive and respectful learning community.

2. Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Secondary Literacy Support Teacher to join our high school team. This crucial role is focused on empowering students in Classes 7-12 to overcome challenges in reading, writing, and communication, developing the confidence and competence necessary for academic success and life. The successful candidate will be a skilled educator, adept at deconstructing complex literacy demands and making them accessible to adolescents with diverse learning needs.

The role encompasses two key areas:

Learning Support: Providing targeted in-class and out-of-class literacy support to secondary students.

Subject Teaching: The possibility of teaching secondary English or Humanities classes, depending on the candidate's qualifications and the school's needs.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Secondary Literacy Learning Support (Primary Focus)

Identify, assess, and monitor secondary students with literacy learning difficulties, including those with dyslexia, gaps in foundational knowledge, or challenges with comprehension and expression.

Develop and implement individualised Learning Plans (ILPs) and intervention strategies that are age-appropriate, relevant, and goal-oriented for adolescent learners.

Work in-class alongside English and subject teachers (e.g., History, Science) to support the understanding of literacy demands across the curriculum.

Provide out-of-class (withdrawal) support for individuals and small groups, focusing on foundational skill-building (including phonics where appropriate), reading fluency, comprehension strategies, and structured writing.

Equip students with executive functioning strategies relevant to literacy, such as planning for writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills.

Collaborate closely with Secondary Teachers, the Learning Support Team, and Careers advisors to support student pathways, including VCE, VCE-VM, and other senior secondary certificates.

B. Subject Teaching (Depending on Skills and School Needs)

Plan and deliver engaging, rigorous, and relevant English or Humanities lessons for secondary school classes, aligned with the Steiner curriculum and the Victorian Curriculum/VCE study designs.

Foster a love of literature and language, connecting texts to the human experience and the developmental stages of adolescence.

Assess, record, and report on student achievement and progress in line with school policy and Victorian regulatory requirements.

C. General Professional Responsibilities

Maintain clear, proactive, and professional communication with secondary students, parents/carers, and staff regarding progress and support strategies.

Contribute to a collaborative and positive secondary school staff culture.

Engage in ongoing professional learning, including Steiner education professional development relevant to adolescent development.

Participate in secondary school events, camps, and meetings as required.

Maintain accurate and confidential student records.

4. Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications and Experience

A recognised teaching qualification and current VIT Registration (Victorian Institute of Teaching).

AND / OR demonstrated experience and/or formal training in secondary learning support, special education, or literacy intervention (e.g., MSL, MacqLit, MiniLit).

Proven ability to teach secondary English effectively.

Experience in, or a genuine and demonstrated willingness to engage with, the principles and practices of Steiner education, particularly as they apply to adolescent development.

Skills and Knowledge

Deep understanding of the developmental stages of adolescence and the specific literacy challenges that emerge in secondary school.

Expertise in diagnostic assessment and evidence-based intervention strategies for secondary students with diverse learning needs, particularly in reading and writing.

Ability to develop resources and programs that build literacy confidence and resilience in struggling learners.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with adolescents, colleagues, and parents.

Personal Attributes

Patient, resilient, and creative in approach, with a passion for making literacy accessible and empowering.

A reflective practitioner committed to their own professional growth.

A collaborative team player who can work effectively within the secondary school faculty.

A strong alignment with the ethos and values of a Steiner school community.

5. Conditions

This position is part-time (0.6 – 1.0 FTE), ongoing, subject to a successful probationary period.

Salary and conditions are as per the Mansfield Steiner School Salary Scale and Education Services Award, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The successful candidate must hold a current Working with Children Check and provide proof of eligibility to work in Australia.

6. Application Process

To apply, please submit the following to Glenn Hood, Principal via email [email protected]:

A covering letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria.

A current Curriculum Vitae.

Contact details for three professional referees.

Applications close: November 14, 2025

Note: This position may be filled before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Mansfield Steiner School is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and young people. Our school community promotes a child-safe environment, and all applicants are expected to adhere to our Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals.