Teacher

Job No: 129177
Location: East Arnhem Land

  • Are you a qualified teacher with a passion for exciting & engaging EAL/D learning, looking to take on a new adventure?
  • Deliver innovative education programs, taking a practical, hands-on & culturally safe approach to teaching literacy & numeracy!
  • Highly attractive salary circa $77,047- $110,496 plus super, relocation assistance, annual flights & free, fully furnished accommodation!

About Mäpuru Yirralka College

Commencing in January 2018, Mäpuru Yirralka College was established to enable Mäpuru families, elders and custodians to direct the educational programs and schooling that takes place on Yolŋu land. With an average attendance of 40 students, which increases to 60 in the dry season, the College has 2 multi-year level classrooms, split into Primary and Secondary. Each class is supported by a teaching team of 2 local Yolŋu co-teachers and a qualified full-time teacher, as well as actively involving parents in their children's education.

Governed by Yirralka Education, which was formed by members of the local community and land custodians, the College implements a bi-cultural model of education that enables Yolŋu students to be deeply embedded within their own identity, rather than the traditional Western model of thinking that can leave children isolated and lost. With this local control, a focal component of the curriculum is driven by Mäpuru elders as they strive to maintain traditions and dignity at the same time as providing a solid foundation for their children, empowering them to participate confidently in the broader Western world. All students speak Djambarrpuyŋu as a first language and are learning to speak English as an additional language.

About the Role

Mäpuru Yirralka College is currently searching for a full-time Teacher to join their team in East Arnhem Land, NT, commencing in Term 1, 2021.

A unique role at an innovative, bi-cultural and bi-lingual college, you will be responsible for the development and delivery of engaging EAL-informed teaching programs for a mixed-level Secondary Classroom, with students ranging from 12 to young adult.

You'll be part of a dedicated teaching team including 2 Yolŋu co-teachers who, whilst not formally qualified, are senior members of the local community. You will be providing support as they lead Djambarrpuyŋu education, whilst the co-teachers support you teaching English. Together, you will determine the most effective way to teach a broad range of curriculum and deliver this as a team.

A key focus of the role will be facilitating a practical approach to learning, integrating outdoor education and 'real world' applications wherever possible - students currently run one of the two local shops, and previously worked on the design and construction of the town's airstrip upgrade as part of their maths class.

For more information, please click here for the full position description.

Are you the right fit?

To be considered for this position you will be a qualified Primary or Middle School teacher, and hold, or be eligible for, registration with the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory.

Highly flexible and skilled in teaching English as an additional language, you'll understand how to break down concepts into easy to understand pieces whilst developing students’ literacy and numeracy skills, adapting your approach to the range of students’ learning needs.

Down to earth and not afraid to get your hands dirty, any teaching or personal experience with a range of practical skills would be an advantage, particularly any related to outdoor education, building, construction, sports, cooking, music and the arts.

Experience living or working in a remote area would be highly regarded but is not essential, provided you are resilient and capable of coping with the challenges of an undeniably isolated location; able to create social connections and develop relationships with students and families as you become part of the broader Mäpuru community.

It's crucial that you have a genuine respect for Aboriginal cultures and are able and willing to learn from Aboriginal teachers and elders, open to being mentored and able to take direction as required. You'll be comfortable supporting the co-teachers as cultural authorities, collaborating on teaching plans and working together as equals to ensure that students are well supported culturally and as they learn about the broad range of Australian Curriculum subjects.

Finally, you'll be able to genuinely engage your students, encouraging and inspiring them to set goals and supporting them to reach these. Passionate about education, not just schooling, you'll ensure the children are growing the skills, knowledge and confidence to become effective members and future leaders of their community.

Please note: Before commencing you must possess a current Working With Children (OCHRE) card, a current National Police Clearance, and a current, unrestricted Australian Manual Driver's Licence. Your own car would be an advantage, with school vehicles to be used exclusively for school business and not private use.

A Rewarding Opportunity

This is an incredible opportunity to take on a new challenge at an innovative independent college, making a real difference to the lives and future opportunities of students in a remote and welcoming community.

In return for your hard work and dedication, you will be rewarded with a highly attractive salary circa $77,047- $110,496 plus super, based on your skills and experience.

Relocation assistance is on offer, negotiable depending on your needs, in addition to a Remote Area Allowance and free, fully furnished, 2 bedroom accommodation with all utilities, including phone, internet, and electricity provided. A peaceful community, where residents can live a simple, sustainable lifestyle, the town is wholly solar powered and close to excellent fishing and hunting spots. 

You'll be able to take advantage of four return flights to Darwin each year, and Yirralka Education will additionally match current remote incentives or study leave entitlements for candidates employed by the NT Government.

Interested in a hands-on and highly varied teaching role, keen to support the students of a local community that's truly passionate about education? - Apply Now!

Apply Now

Personal Details * Required field

  1. Digits only or add + for international numbers

  1. (Please click on your profile and copy the URL from your profile page.)

Questions

Life in Mäpuru

Approximately 14 hours drive from Darwin, Mäpuru is a tiny town in East Arnhem Land, also known as Yolŋu Land. With a population of 100, half of whom are children, the school is a central part of the community, enabling education, community development, social justice, reconciliation and dignity restoration across the entire town.

The Mäpuru community hosts cultural workshops several times a year for groups of visitors who are keen to experience Yolngu life and culture. These Arnhem Weavers and Men’s Business workshops are local initiatives run in association with the College, providing valuable lessons and encouragement to young Yolŋu students by showing that Yolŋu ways of life, practices, and languages are sought after and respected by outsiders.

The local store is run co-operatively by the community, providing non-perishable foods to supplement fortnightly orders of fresh fruit and vegetables that arrive via charter flight. The secondary school students also run a shop, Mäpuru Market, which sells other basics and essentials for fishing, hunting and cooking.

For more information about living and working in Mäpuru, please click here.

Yirralka Education