Multicultural Education Aide (MEA)
- OakTree College
- 1/371 Somerville Road, West Footscray VIC 3012
Job Description
The Multicultural Education Aide (MEA) works closely with classroom teachers to support the active engagement and learning of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The MEA provides in-class support to assist students in understanding lesson content, developing their English language skills, and building confidence in their academic abilities. This role is critical in ensuring that all students, regardless of their English proficiency or prior schooling experience, can access the curriculum and participate fully in their education.
In addition to supporting students in the classroom, the MEA acts as a cultural and linguistic bridge between students, families, and staff—helping to promote understanding, trust, and strong connections within the school community.
Summary of Duties
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In-Class Support
Assist students from migrant and refugee backgrounds in understanding lesson content, instructions, and tasks during classroom activities across VPC and VCE Vocational Major subjects. -
Language and Literacy Assistance
Support students in developing English language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, through both structured support and informal guidance during lessons. -
Differentiated Learning Support
Work alongside teachers to adapt and scaffold learning materials for students with diverse educational backgrounds and levels of English proficiency. -
Cultural and Emotional Support
Provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed encouragement to students, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a positive sense of identity in the classroom. -
Classroom Engagement
Support students in staying focused, participating actively, and developing positive learning behaviours and routines. -
Student Advocacy
Advocate for the needs of students by providing teachers and staff with insights into cultural, linguistic, and settlement challenges students may face. -
Family and Community Liaison
Act as a link between the school and families, particularly where language or cultural barriers exist. Support the building of trust and effective communication. -
Collaboration with Staff
Participate in planning, team meetings, and professional development to ensure consistent and coordinated support for students across the school.
Apply Now
OakTree College is an independent co-educational senior secondary school providing education opportunities for young people of school age from migrant backgrounds who may be experiencing difficulties within mainstream education settings and hence have disengaged or at risk of disengaging from education. There is not a single co-educational school in Victoria for migrant and refugee young people. OakTree College intends to fill in the gap as an independent specialist school.
OakTree College provides a sustainable and deliberate learning community where the potential and aspirations of the young people are harnessed and honed and where they are equipped with skills and knowledge for them to play their part in the wider Australian Multicultural society.
Our name—Oaktree—reflects strength, growth, and deep roots. Trees do not grow overnight. They weather storms. They stretch toward light. They begin as something small but become powerful with the right soil, abundant care, and authentic nurturing. Just like the oak tree, which grows tall and strong from small beginnings, our students bring their own roots, their own stories, and their own potential.
We are therefore minded to loudly proclaim that our students are those oaks in the making. They bring the colour, the culture, the courage. And to all intents and purposes, write their own story. In return, we promise to walk alongside them—to teach and to learn, to support, to listen, and to grow with them.