The Centre for Professional Learning (CPL) was established by the NSW Teachers Federation (the Federation) to provide high quality professional learning and support for Federation members in a range of educational areas. The CPL aims to offer programs that are relevant across the spectrum of a teacher’s career from the early years of teaching to the experienced and leadership levels. The CPL’s program includes the provision of courses and conferences, as well as the production of the Journal of Professional Learning (JPL) CPL podcasts and videos. Courses and conferences are conducted in-person, as well as online. The JPL, podcasts and videos are published online. Centre for Public Education Research was established in 2020 its function is to source and promote quality research relating to public education.

Duties of the Director

The Director is responsible to the General Secretary for their role in the operations of the CPL and is required to:

• Address the priorities of the Federation and the CPL by leading and coordinating the overall planning, organisation, promotion, and delivery of the CPL program including courses and conferences, JPL editions, podcasts and videos

• Undertake managerial responsibilities for the CPL Assistant Director, Assistant Director CPER and the CPL/CPER Administrative staff.

• Have full oversight of Centre for Public Education Research (CPER) and the position of Assistant Director, CPER.

• Maintain effective relationships with the membership, and assist them with matters related to their professional learning, through the operations of the CPL. This includes maintaining current knowledge and understanding of members’ professional learning requirements and coordinating the CPL program accordingly.
• Work with external organisations and individuals engaged in education and/ or educational research, and build professional networks to meet the priorities of the Federation and the CPL.
• Ensure quality control of the CPL program, including developing and attending CPL courses and conferences in collaboration with CPL presenters.
• Liaise with Professional Officers, and other sections of the Federation as appropriate, in the delivery of the CPL program of professional learning for members.
• Have full oversight of the CPL and CPER annual budget, including preparation, submission, and authorisation for all expenditure.
• Report to the Committee of Management of the CPL, the Executive, Council, Conference and Senior Officers of the union.
• Attend Annual Conference, Council and CPL Committee of Management meetings, whenever not prevented by carrying out other duties, and attend Executive, if required, to provide reports and advice to the Executive; and
• Recruit new members as a part of their work.

While the Director is appointed to a specialised position, they may be required to undertake other duties as requested by the General Secretary. The line of reporting will be through the General Secretary for all administrative, personnel, and financial matters, and through the Presidential officers for policy and strategic direction.

The Director also provides direct reporting to the Committee of Management of CPL and seeks guidance from them on CPL activities.

In order to comply with NESA accreditation requirements, and meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, the Director will be required to engage with a negotiated Performance and Development Framework over time.

The Director is based in the Federation in Surry Hills and at times is required to travel to other parts of the state to conduct the operations of the CPL. The Director may be required to work hours that take into account the extended hours of operation for the delivery of the CPL program. It is expected that the Director have a current NSW Drivers Licence.

Position criteria

• Complete commitment to the goals of the Federation and the principles of public education.
• Ability to lead the operations of the CPL to support the goals of the Federation.
• Wide experience in teaching and education at a senior level.
• Knowledge of, and skills in, exemplary current practice and issues in professional learning.
• Skills in the principles of adult education.
• Knowledge of the range of modes of professional learning.
• Ability to liaise with the full range of personnel involved in the operation of the CPL/CPER.
• Ability to expand the scope of the CPL to cover the full range of Federation members in schools and TAFE colleges
• Ability to work with external organisations and individuals engaged in education and to build professional networks.
• Demonstrated experience in the management and supervision of staff.
• Ability to provide ongoing reporting to the General Secretary, the Presidential Officers and the Committee of Management of CPL.

Salary and conditions

The salary will be equal to that of a deputy principal (high school) under the relevant teacher award and the working conditions, superannuation arrangements and leave provisions will be commensurate with those of Professional Officers of the Federation. The Director will be expected to attend meetings of the Council and Executive of the union.

Tenure

The tenure for this position is 28 April 2025 to 02 April 2027.

Enquiries should be sent to [email protected] using the subject line: Director - Centre for Professional Learning and Centre for Public Education Research enquiry via EthicalJobs attention to Maxine Sharkey, General Secretary.