The Education Directorate supports schools and staff to build their capability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families and communities through:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officers
The role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officers (IEOs) is to support schools to build their cultural integrity to meet the needs and aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The day-to-day work of an IEO involves building strong collaborative relationships, supporting school leaders and classroom teachers to improve their knowledge and practice of cultural integrity, and developing and sourcing teaching and learning resources related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders histories and culture. IEOs also support schools to build relationships and understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students, families, and community members.
Cultural Integrity Coordinators
Cultural Integrity Coordinators (CICs) provide strategic support to schools with medium to low Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student enrolment numbers on a short-term basis to build the capability of the school and staff in embedding cultural integrity by:
- Leading projects with school staff to develop, promote and maintain communication between school staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, and the community
- Collaborating with school staff and communities in the development and implementation of programs, activities and resources aimed at embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in student learning
- Supporting schools to develop network-level initiatives, which raise awareness and embed whole-school celebration and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and achievement, including advising schools, and leading the organisation of appropriate events
- Collaborating with school staff and Education Support Office (ESO) staff to build school and ESO capability to effectively support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student wellbeing, transitions, and aspirations, including leading network initiatives.
- Providing onsite support to IEOs to help facilitate their work and provide additional support, as needed.
