Workforce Support and Initiatives for Schools

Career Development

Teachers who could do with more professional opportunities/recognition

Subsidised programs to develop STEM teachers – encourage teachers to participate in subsidised programs to develop their STEM teaching specialisms

Targeted initiatives in STEM for teacher training include:

• The Primary Mathematics and Science Specialist Initiative (PMSS) is a 2-year program designed to drive whole school change through upskilling primary teachers in government schools to become specialists in either science or mathematics – contact: PMSS@education.vic.gov.au
• Two new Mathematics Education Micro Credentials (MEMC), will be available to Years 7 to 10 teachers in Victorian government schools from July 2026 to June 2028. The MEMC are aligned to Curriculum and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 and support teachers to do what they do best – teach. Sessions are designed to strengthen Mathematics Content Knowledge (MCK), Specialised Mathematics Knowledge (SMK), and pedagogical content knowledge, with particular emphasis on supporting out-of-field teachers. Each MEMC can be completed in one semester – contact: MEMC@education.vic.gov.au.

Establish Leading Teachers and Learning Specialist roles – provide career pathways to teachers and build leadership profiles and provide greater support to classroom teachers

Leading teacher and learning specialist positions are tenured for up to 5 years with the tenure specified in the position advertisement. The successful applicant will be ongoing with tenure in the leadership position.

These promotion opportunities provide a career path for teachers and focus on building teaching practice within schools.

For more information about Leading Teacher and Learning Specialist roles refer to Leading Teachers and Learning Specialists

Victorian Academy of Teaching and Learning – support engagement in professional learning programs at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership

Support teachers to build their professional skills and explore the professional learning opportunities available to provide the training and support teacher needs to lead change and improve student outcomes.

For more information refer to Professional Learning

Disability Inclusion Professional Learning opportunities for teachers – upskill in learning difficulties and inclusive and specialist education

The Master of Inclusive Education and Graduate Certificate Initiative provides access to funded postgraduate study in inclusive and specialist education or learning difficulties. It aims to build the capability and confidence of Victorian teachers and regional workforces to strengthen inclusive teaching practices for students with diverse learning needs.

Aligned with the Disability Inclusion reform, this substantial departmental investment empowers schools and regional teams to develop their expertise in inclusive education, driving a positive, system-wide impact. For more information, refer to the Master of Inclusive Education and Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties) webpages.

Email: inclusive.ed.scholarships@education.vic.gov.au or call 03 9084 8496.

Flexible Work Arrangements for School Leaders supports principals and school leaders to work more flexibly, promoting improved work–life balance and reducing administrative burden

Flexible work arrangements for school leaders can support leaders in Victorian government schools, including principals, assistant principals, learning specialists and leading teachers, to access part-time and job-share arrangements while continuing to build their leadership capability and experience. School leaders could have a crossover day with their job-share partner or create a new or expanded part-time arrangement within a school’s leadership team, if funding permits.

By creating more flexible leadership pathways, school leaders remain in the profession, strengthen their skills and continue their career development while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. It also reduces administrative pressure by providing additional leadership support and promoting sustainable ways of working. Schools that wish to promote flexible work arrangements for leaders in their school will need to meet the cost from their existing budget and may also require school council approval.

For more information refer to Flexible Work for Principals.

For any questions, please contact Schools.Initiatives@education.vic.gov.au.