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 and secondary 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 and Secondary), 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
- Commitment to Social Justice and Understanding of Nexus Program Objectives:
- Clear understanding of the objectives of the Nexus Program, including its focus on preparing teachers for challenging environments and its integration of coursework, employment, and exclusive intensives.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice principles, aligning with the ethos of the Nexus Program.
- Effective Communication Skills:
- Strong oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Nexus staff, students, principals, and school mentors.
- Collaborative Teamwork Skills:
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team member, fostering positive relationships within the Nexus community, including staff, students, and external partners.
- Mentoring and Support Skills:
- Previous experience in mentoring or teaching roles, showcasing the capacity to guide and support Nexus students effectively.
- Data Reporting and Analytical Skills:
- Proficiency in data reporting related to school visits and the ability to identify students needing additional support, showcasing analytical and problem-solving skills.
Essential Compliance Requirements
To hold this La Trobe University position the occupant must:
- Hold current VIT registration or be willing to undertake and pass, a Victorian Working with Children Check;
- Hold a current Victorian driver’s licence; AND
- Take personal accountability to comply with all University policies, procedures and legislative or regulatory obligations; including but not limited to TEQSA and the Higher Education Threshold Standards.
How to apply:
Closing date: Expression of interest by 11.55pm on Sunday 28 April 2024
Position Enquiries: Stephanie Garoni via email S.Garoni@latrobe.edu.au
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- A cover letter addressing the essential criteria
- An up-to-date resume
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:
- Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
- Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics.
- Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in the future.
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.
