Assistant Principal Special Education

Para Meadows School, located in North Wollongong, supports students with additional needs. Our school enrols students K-12 with a moderate to severe intellectual disability. Students may have a secondary disability which may include complex medical needs, sensory needs, physical needs, autism and/or complex behaviours. The staff are committed to delivering high-quality education for all students. Of the 116-student enrolment, 23% require support in the form of English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) and 19% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our educational programs foster student learning which is within the guidelines of the Department of Education, implementing Key Learning Areas and Subjects from NSW syllabus documents for students from Kindergarten to Year 12. We endeavor to ensure that our students are equipped with essential skills and knowledge that will take them beyond school, whether into work or community-based activities.

Students participate in English, mathematics, science, history, geography, creative arts, personal development, health and physical education, technology and Key Word Sign lessons. We assist parents and carers in the educational planning process through Personalised Learning and Support Plans (PLSPs). Including the development of the emotional and social wellbeing of their child to make all transitions successful throughout their schooling and beyond.

• In addition to the general selection criteria, approval to teach special education and/or experience teaching students with moderate /severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, physical and sensory disabilities and those who exhibit challenging behaviours.
• Experience in leading, mentoring and inspiring experienced and early career teachers in a time of significant curriculum and educational reforms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage whole school programs to enhance student outcomes in communication, literacy and numeracy.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills with the capacity to enhance positive relationships with families, and, to promote learning partnerships with community and to maximise student learning.

1. Successful teaching experience with capacity to initiate improvement in teaching, learning and classroom practice
2. Knowledge of curriculum, assessment and student welfare with the ability to lead and design quality, inclusive teaching and learning programs
3. Educational leadership skills to build the capacity and manage the performance of individuals and teams
4. Well developed communication and interpersonal skills with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, staff and parents
5. Ability to plan and manage resources effectively and equitably to support teaching and learning
6. Knowledge of and commitment to the Department's Aboriginal education policy

An unconditional full approval to teach is a requirement. If you do not hold a full approval to teach with the NSW Department of Education, you are required to commence the application process at the same time as you apply for this teaching opportunity.

All Department of Education employees working in an SSP are required to be vaccinated as outlined at Vaccination requirements for school sites ). The successful candidate for this position will be required to confirm vaccination status prior to the department finalising their appointment and entry on duty. Find the department's latest advice on COVID-19 (coronavirus) at

Applicants are to include details of their WWCC clearance number as part of this application.

About the NSW Department of Education

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion

New merit selection application guidelines for classroom teachers, executives and principals have been introduced to provide greater clarity to applicants and selection panels. The guidelines are located here. To ensure that your application complies with the guideline page limits, your attachments must be in PDF format.