Job No.: 567603
Work type: Casual
Nexus University Mentor
Overview:
As a Nexus University Mentor, you will play a vital role in contributing positively to the experiences of both Nexus students and schools within the Nexus Program. This unique 2-year alternative pathway into primary teaching is specifically designed to recruit, prepare, and support teachers for often hard-to-staff regional, rural, and urban low socio-economic status schools. As an employment-based, highly mentored teacher education program, Nexus involves collaboration between the university, schools, and local communities to prepare capable, community-informed teachers.
About Nexus:
Nexus stands as a social justice-oriented pathway into the teaching profession. It is designed to contribute highly skilled teachers to schools facing significant challenges. Selection for the program is based on a candidate's demonstrated commitment to social justice, exceptional interpersonal skills, and determination to excel as a teacher. The program is a thought-provoking, demanding, and inspiring journey, with dedicated support throughout. Noteworthy for its innovation, the Nexus Program integrates three key components: coursework for the Master of Teaching (Primary), paid employment in the assigned Nexus school, and exclusive intensives tailored to address the specific skills and knowledge crucial for success in regional, remote, and economically disadvantaged schools. An important aspect of Nexus is our mentoring program which is underpinned by reflective learning relationships and an enquiry-based framework. You can learn more about Nexus here:latrobe.edu.au/nexus
Role Description:
In this position, you will contribute to enhancing the reputation of Nexus as a preferred employment-based pathway for low socio-economic status schools. Your effective communication skills, both written and oral, will enable you to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Working collaboratively as a team member, you will build positive relationships within Nexus staff, students, principals, and school mentors.
Specific Tasks:
Your responsibilities will encompass fostering positive relationships with Nexus staff, students, principals, and school mentors. Providing relevant information to these stakeholders is essential to support the Nexus Program. You'll facilitate the Nexus mentoring program by organising and conducting school visits, providing feedback to Nexus students, school mentors and principals on their classroom teaching, and monitoring the general well-being and academic progress of Nexus students.
Collaboration with school mentors is key to your role. This involves initiating discussions on Nexus students' progress and the development of the school mentor role. Identifying ways in which school mentors can best support their Nexus students is also an important part of being a University Mentor. Data reporting of school visits and identifying students needing additional support will be part of your responsibility, requiring collaboration with other Nexus staff.
Maintaining sound lines of communication with Nexus staff to support students with placement and coursework queries is crucial. Your participation in Nexus Professional Development sessions will contribute to the continuous improvement of the program.
Mentorship Training and Framework:
Your involvement in the initial mentorship training and introduction to the Nexus Mentoring Framework is a requirement of the role. Understanding school visit expectations and unpacking resources will set the foundation for effective mentorship. Throughout the program, you will arrange and conduct visits to Nexus students, actively engaging in ongoing mentorship, providing guidance, and offering support.
Essential Criteria
Essential Compliance Requirements
To hold this La Trobe University position the occupant must:
How to apply:
Closing date: Expression of interest by 11.55pm on Sunday 22 September, 2024
Position Enquiries: Miriam Tanti via email [email protected]
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
Applications will not be considered if you do not include the above
Rural and regional applicants are encouraged to apply.
Benefits:
Rate of Pay - Academic Casual rates as defined in the La Trobe University Enterprise Agreement 2023 (EA) (dependent upon individual teaching responsibilities, i.e. lectures, tutorials, marking, meetings, etc.)
Hours - Casual (hours are dependent upon individual teaching activities available and assigned.)
Engagement in this role normally occurs casually over a two-year period. Dates to be provided upon inquiry.
Other Relevant Information:
The position description is indicative of the initial expectation of the role and subject to changes to university goals and priorities, activities or focus of the job.
Position Flexibility
La Trobe University is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment for all staff. We offer flexible work arrangements that can assist you in balancing your work and other responsibilities.
Why La Trobe:
This is more than just a job. Working at La Trobe offers opportunities to demonstrate excellence and transform lives. Here, you'll join exceptional people, partners and communities, who power our operations with ambition and purpose.
We are forward-looking and culturally inclusive. We continuously review, improve and transform our processes to embrace new, flexible approaches. That means you'll always have the opportunity to succeed and make a difference.