Classroom experts: meet the 2018 Learning Specialists

A new role to support high quality learning

For 2018 the Department of Education and Training has created new roles for highly skilled classroom practitioners who continue to spend the majority of their time in the classroom delivering high-quality teaching and learning. Known as Learning Specialists, these professionals have a range of responsibilities related to their expertise in teaching practice. With the State Government funding 3,000 of these positions across the State over 2018-2019, we are pleased to introduce our first Learning Specialists: Lorena Pellone-Gismondi and Paul-Micah Sullivan.

Lorena and Paul-Micah will be supporting teachers in their individual practice and in effecting whole-school, research-based improvement strategies. With the implementation of the Northcote Model in Years 9 & 10 in 2018, Lorena and Paul-Micah will help teachers to work collaboratively to ensure that all students are able to progress in their classrooms. This is also the focus of our Professional Learning Community teams this year.

Lorena Pellone

My name is Lorena Pellone and I obtained my Masters of Teaching and Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne. My previous school was Williamstown High School where I was a Year 11 Coordinator, Head of Science and was twice nominated for Teacher of the Year. I have a particular interest in pedagogical studies and have been involved in teams focussed on 21st Century Learning and the powerful use of educational data. I am particularly passionate about Science education. The Australian Education Review shows that students are increasingly developing negative views towards science, leading to a shortage of science-educated people in Australia’s workforce. As a teacher, my aim is to inspire student curiosity and enthusiasm for the sciences. I am thoroughly enjoying the beginnings of my journey at Northcote High School. I am particularly inspired by the NHS Learning Framework that aligns strongly with my educational beliefs. My role as a Learning Specialist and its new level of responsibilities will be challenging.  At the same time, I am excited to be working in a team of excellent teachers to support students in achieving beyond their expectations.

Paul-Micah Sullivan

My name is Paul-Micah Sullivan and I completed my postgraduate Education as part of the Masters of Teaching Program at The University of Melbourne. Prior to that I completed my Bachelor of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto in Canada, while spending a year at the University of Otago in New Zealand. The diversity of learning experiences in different countries has helped shape my view of education and the numerous avenues for young people to achieve their goals. I have been teaching at Northcote High School since 2009 and have held numerous roles in Student Management including Year 10 and 12 Program Leader. In 2017, I led a team that implemented the VCAL program at Northcote High School for the first time, delivering an applied learning program for senior students. Throughout my involvement at Northcote High School I have also been deeply involved in the Humanities department and love learning and discussing with students all aspects of our subjects. Humanities teaching and learning allows you to delve into critical thinking and problem solving skills that are part of a foundation for success in all subject areas. I am very excited about the new role of Learning Specialist and its focus on implementing whole school improvement strategies and to work with our Professional Learning Communities to support students to achieve their best learning outcomes.