- Avid Reader
- Photography
- Podcasting - Cinematic Leap
- Film making and Videography
- Table Top Gaming
- Video Gaming
- Camping
- Indoor Soccer
- Playing guitar
Michael Thompson
Churchill
Summary
Instructional leader and curriculum specialist with a deep commitment to equity, clarity, and collective growth.
Expert in science education, coaching, and curriculum design, with a proven ability to lead professional learning that’s evidence-informed, values-driven, and grounded in real classroom practice. Builds trust through thoughtful feedback, strategic organisation, and a calm, collaborative approach. Advocates for high-quality science learning for all students, while empowering staff to lead, reflect, and refine their practice. Responsive to change, rigorous in planning, and always focused on what improves outcomes, for learners, teams, and the system.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Specialist - Science
Traralgon College
01.2022 - Current
- Provide instructional leadership in science by modelling exemplary classroom practice and supporting colleagues to embed evidence‑based teaching strategies.
- Lead curriculum planning and delivery across Years 7-12, ensuring alignment with Victorian Curriculum 2.0 and VCE requirements.
- Facilitate Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to drive collaborative inquiry, reflective practice, and consistent implementation of high‑impact teaching strategies.
- Coach and mentor teachers, providing structured feedback and guidance to build capacity in classroom management, curriculum design, and assessment practice.
- Analyse student performance data to identify trends, inform curriculum adjustments, and evaluate the impact of professional learning.
- Support whole‑school improvement initiatives by aligning science teaching with College priorities and Department values.
- Develop and promote professional learning structures, processes, and protocols that foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to a culture of respect, integrity, and responsiveness by modelling Department values and creating safe, inclusive spaces for staff reflection and growth.
Teacher
Traralgon College
01.2009 - Current
- Designed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
- Assessed student performance through regular evaluations, providing targeted feedback for improvement.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and fostering a collaborative educational environment.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and staff to promote community involvement.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
KLD Leader Science
Traralgon College
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Monitored curriculum delivery across the science team, ensuring alignment with College priorities and compliance with reporting requirements.
- Managed the science budget, overseeing resource allocation and procurement to support effective teaching and learning.
- Supported whole‑school improvement priorities, with a particular focus on embedding literacy strategies within science programs.
- Coordinated staff organisation and logistics, including follow‑up on report descriptors, assessment timelines, and administrative compliance.
- Facilitated collaborative planning using the Understanding by Design framework, guiding staff to sequence learning and assessment for clarity and coherence.
- Contributed to the development of a professional culture of accountability, consistency, and shared responsibility within the science team.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma of Education - Secondary Education
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC12-2008
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Deakin University
Melbourne, VIC10-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Media Arts
Deakin University
Melbourne, VIC10-2005
Skills
- Instructional leadership & staff coaching
- Curriculum design & alignment
- Professional learning facilitation (PLCs, workshops)
- Data-informed decision making
- Change management & strategic alignment
- Literacy & numeracy integration in science
Interests
Timeline
Learning Specialist - Science
Traralgon College
01.2022 - Current
KLD Leader Science
Traralgon College
01.2018 - 12.2021
Teacher
Traralgon College
01.2009 - Current
Postgraduate Diploma of Education - Secondary Education
La Trobe University
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Deakin University
Bachelor of Arts - Media Arts
Deakin University
Similar Profiles
Corbin CiuciuCorbin Ciuciu
Full-Time Tutor – Student Support at Traralgon CollegeFull-Time Tutor – Student Support at Traralgon College
KELLIE GOYKELLIE GOY
WELLBEING TEAM LEADER at Traralgon CollegeWELLBEING TEAM LEADER at Traralgon College
Nada SmithNada Smith
Teacher at Traralgon CollegeTeacher at Traralgon College
Mitchell BerechreeMitchell Berechree
Forestry Worker at Hazelwood ForestryForestry Worker at Hazelwood Forestry
Bradley BaartzBradley Baartz
Steel Fixer - FIFO at PacSteel Fixer - FIFO at Pac