Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning

Berry Street is seeking an experienced and inspiring Assistant Principal, Teaching & Learning, to lead evidence-based, trauma-informed teaching practice across the Berry Street School. This role shapes high-quality curriculum and instructional leadership for students in Years 7–12 who are at risk of disengaging from education.

• Flexible location of work
• Required to travel between school campuses (located in Narre Warren, Morwell, Shepparton and Ballarat)
• Full-time, Permanent position
• Competitive Salary + Super + $15,900 Salary Packaging
• Access to vehicle support

About the Berry Street School

The Berry Street School is a specialist independent secondary school with four campuses located in Ballarat, Morwell, Narre Warren and Shepparton. We offer an adaptation of the Victorian Curriculum for years 7–10, and the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) for years 11-12.

We support young people who have experienced trauma, disrupted schooling and significant adversity through:

• Relationship-based, trauma-informed practice (BSEM)
• Small class sizes and individualised learning
• High staff-to-student ratios
• A strong focus on literacy, numeracy, wellbeing and work readiness

Our School is characterised by our relationship-based practice grounded in unconditional positive regard for our students.

The Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) underpins everything we do, providing a structured vision of wellbeing in the school community.

The Opportunity

You will lead the schoolwide teaching and learning vision by:

• Embedding evidence-based, inclusive and trauma-informed pedagogy
• Overseeing curriculum, assessment, reporting and VCAA/VRQA alignment
• Leading PLCs, professional learning and instructional coaching
• Using data to drive improved academic growth
• Supporting the implementation of the School Strategic and Annual Implementation Plans
• Coaching and developing teaching staff across all campuses

This role requires regular travel between campuses.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate educational leader who believes every young person deserves the chance to thrive. You will bring a strong foundation in evidence-based teaching and trauma-informed practice, and you know how to turn research into real-world strategies that make a difference in the classroom.

Your leadership style is collaborative and inclusive and you are confident in managing complex priorities and creating environments where both staff and students feel supported and valued.

• Strong expertise in curriculum, pedagogy and the Science of Learning
• Experience in trauma-informed or specialist education
• Confidence in data-informed practice and staff capability development
• Excellent communication, collaboration and change-leadership skills

Requirements

• Bachelor of Education (minimum four-year trained)
• VIT registration
• Current driver’s licence
• BSEM or instructional coaching experience highly regarded

Why Berry Street?

• Lead teaching practice that transforms outcomes for vulnerable young people
• Salary packaging up to $15,900 p/a
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to EAP for you and your family

Apply Now

Submit your resume and cover letter by 11PM, Sunday 7 December 2025.

Applications will be assessed as received.

For a confidential discussion, contact:

Principal, Katharine Smith: katharine.smith@berrystreet.org.au or on 0457 329 058

Please Note; the successful applicant will be subject to comprehensive reference and background checking prior to employment, including a Working with Children Check and National and International Police check if required and Workers Carer Exclusion Scheme clearance if applicable.

Berry Street is committed to being a child safe, child friendly and child empowering organisation. In everything we do we seek to protect children. We are committed to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children; children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds; children with a disability; children who identify as LGBTQIA+. We aim to ensure every individual is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their cultural background, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality or religion.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.