Position Type: Full-time Permanent | Position Title: Head of Teaching and Learning | Location: Based in Tamworth, NSW

TYPICAL REPORTING LINES

• Reports to: Principal / CEO Tamworth.

• Direct Reports: Heads of Department / Faculty.

• Liaises with: Principal Gunnedah, Heads of School, Head of Learning Support, HR Manager

CLASSIFICATION & COMMENCEMENT

This position will be classified as a Co3 leadership position. See Independent Schools NSW (Teachers) Carinya Christian School Agreement 2025. It will commence at the beginning of Term 1 2027.

QUALIFICATION / DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

• NESA Teacher Accreditation

• Valid working with children check

• Relevant Degree Qualification in Education

• Reference from your Current Minister

• Demonstrated experience as an expert classroom practitioner

• Proven capacity for pedagogical leadership, staff mentoring and strategic improvement

OBJECTIVES OF POSITION
The Head of Teaching and Learning (HTL) provides strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the school’s academic program. The primary goal is to work with the full executive staff to foster a culture of rich pedagogical practice, ensuring that all teachers are supported in delivering high-quality, Christ-Centred, evidence-based instruction.

Based in Tamworth the Head of Teaching and Learning will support the development and implementation of Christ-Centred teaching and learning across Carinya Tamworth and Gunnedah. This will include working with other executive staff to align with the strategic direction of the school. The position will also, at times, include occasional involvement in student discipline through the mentoring of teaching staff.


MISSION
Engaging as a community to discover the world made through Jesus for His glory.

VISION
Provide quality, Christ-centred education at Carinya Tamworth in partnership with parents. Teaching and Learning is the core business of the school and the means in which we discover and engage in God’s world.

PREAMBLE
At Carinya, Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, is central to everything done at the school. The essential elements of the educational process: the home, the learner, the curriculum and the teacher are interpreted in a framework based on an understanding of the person and authority of Jesus Christ. At Carinya, we believe in a Christ-centred view of the Child, a Christ-centred view of the Curriculum, a Christ-centred approach to teachers and Christ-centred Education.

The pedagogy of the School is framed by the understanding that each student has intrinsic value as an individual, made in the image of God and as the unworthy recipient of God's grace and by the skills, talents and abilities available to them. Those truths permeate every subject and classroom, every activity the School undertakes, and are embedded in the formal structures of the School's educational processes.

It is vital that every staff member embraces this educational philosophy. This involves a personal faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to modelling Christ-like behaviour to all, both within and beyond the School community.

Selection Criteria (Essential Skills)

• Expert Practitioner: A proven track record of excellence in the classroom, particularly in managing diverse and challenging student behaviors.

• Relational Intelligence: The ability to support "struggling" staff with empathy and candor, building trust rather than inducing fear of judgment.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate the school’s strategic plan into actionable classroom tactics.

• Conflict Resolution: High-level skills in de-escalating classroom situations and mediating between teacher expectations and student needs.

• Initiative: Ability to identify and respond to issues and be proactive in implementing programs to strengthen teaching and learning. 

1. Pedagogical Leadership & Staff Development

• Strengthen the Christ-Centred perspectives throughout the teaching and learning programs. This includes the implementation of Carinya’s intrinsic approach to motivation. 

• Instructional Coaching: Lead the school’s coaching and mentoring programs. Observe classroom practice and provide constructive, non-evaluative feedback to improve teacher efficacy.

• Professional Learning (PL): Design and facilitate targeted PL sessions focused on relevant strategies such as "High Impact Teaching Strategies" (HITS), differentiated instruction and Learning Management systems.

2. Classroom Management & Environment

• Proactive Management Systems: Assist staff in establishing consistent, school-wide routines that minimise disruption and maximise learning time.

• Evidence-Based Practice: Train staff in contemporary classroom management frameworks which support Carinya’s Christ-Centred perspectives

• Environment Audits: Work with teachers to audit their physical and digital learning environments to ensure they are conducive to student focus and engagement.

• Support Executive Staff with the management of students and necessary communication between stakeholders. This can include the direct management of student discipline when required.

• Strengthen a safe and supportive environment in conjunction with all stakeholders.

• Implement and develop the intentional use of IT to strengthen teaching and learning across the schools.

• Assessment and Reporting: Work with teachers and executive staff to strengthen the assessment and reporting framework.

3. Targeted Teacher Support 

• Case-by-Case Consultation: Act in clinical support with Coordinators and Heads of School for teachers struggling with a specific student or cohort.

• In-Class Modelling: Conduct "demonstration lessons" where the HTL teaches the class while the struggling teacher observes specific management techniques in action.

• Collaborative Problem Solving: Partner with the Learning Support Team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) that provide the teacher with a clear roadmap for managing high-needs students.

• Observation & Analysis: Use data to help the teacher identify triggers for student behavior and adjust instructional delivery accordingly.

4. Data-Informed Improvement

• Collect Data including NAPLAN, internal assessment

• Utilise data to identify gaps, provide feedback and inform practice on teaching and learning across the school. 

5. Compliance

• NESA: Ensure the school’s curriculum meets all NESA requirements for Registration.

• Teacher Programs: Audit teacher programs to ensure compliance and effective teaching and learning aligned with the ethos of the school.

• NESA Schools Online: Support the administrative responsibilities of Schools Online.