Southern Autistic School (SAS) is a specialist school dedicated to the education of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and with significant deficits in language. SAS provides evidence based educational programs to meet the learning needs of children with a diagnosis of ASD. A focus of the current Strategic Plan is making the school a centre of excellence and expertise in the delivery of education for autistic students, with a focus on communication.

The school is located in the South Eastern Region in East Bentleigh with approximately 280 students aged from 3 to 18 years. Classes have six to ten students with all children having an individual learning plan. Individual Learning Plans are based on the Victorian Curriculum with a focus on developing communication, social interaction, and independence skills.

The class teacher is supported by a teaching assistant. Speech pathologists support the development of individual communication programs and occupational therapists add to the comprehensive educational team. A clinical psychologist and experienced social worker work with families and students to further enhance student wellbeing.

At SAS we implement the Victorian Curriculum and enhance our teaching and learning programs through the use of evidence-based approaches and strategies. This includes the implementation of Hanen: More Than Words, LAMP and a structured synthetic phonics approach. Our Secondary Programs provide excellent vocational education opportunities in addition to the recreation and community access. Our Early Education Program utilises Hanen Strategies, and implements aspects and strategies from the Early Start Denver Model.

There are four sub schools on the same campus each led by a highly experienced school leader.



Learning Specialists additionally support the development of teaching and learning programs. Our specialist programs vary across the sub schools however include ART, Media ARTS, Physical Education, Music and Cooking. The Primary aged students also attend a Swimming Program with a magnesium pool on site. The school hasundergone recentredevelopment with 2 new buildings including modern facilities opened since 2021.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support principles and approaches are key to supporting student engagement and data. The school is committed to the development of the whole child and works in partnership with parents. We have a supportive parent community who regularly communicate with staff.

Vision Statement:

The SAS vision for students is to develop lifelong learners who have a sense of belonging and are encouraged to implement their skills and knowledge to make choices and accept responsibility for their decisions. Our SWPBS values are: 'I am Safe, I am a Learner and I Belong.'

Selection Criteria

SC1 Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the ability to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated experience in responding to student learning needs.

SC2 Demonstrated experience in planning for and implementing high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn,



and evaluating the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth.

SC3 Demonstrated experience in monitoring and assessing student learning. Demonstrated experience in using data to inform teaching practice and providing feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.

SC4 Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, agency, wellbeing and engagement.

SC5 Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated experience in reflecting upon practice and engaging in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.

SC6 Demonstrated understanding of how autism may impact on student learning through an ability to support students to participate appropriately across all areas of the school.

Role

The classroom teacher classification comprises two salary ranges
- range 1 and range 2.
The primary focus of the classroom teacher is on the planning, preparation and teaching of programs to achieve specific student outcomes.
The classroom teacher engages in critical reflection and inquiry in order to improve knowledge and skills to effectively engage students and improve their learning.

As the classroom teacher gains experience his or her contribution to the school program beyond the classroom increases. All classroom teachers may be required to undertake other duties in addition to their rostered teaching duties provided the responsibility is appropriate to the salary range, qualifications, training and experience of the tea

📌 Classroom Teacher- Special Education (Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Government
📍 Melbourne