Sam Mawer

Experienced secondary educator and school leader with extensive experience across Years 7–10, specialising in Mathematics, Science, Health & Physical Education, and Digital Technologies. Currently serving as Year 7 Coordinator at Ulverstone Secondary College, with demonstrated strengths in student wellbeing, behaviour support, curriculum leadership, and whole‑school coordination. Highly regarded for building strong relationships with students, staff, and families, and for leading teams through data‑informed, evidence‑based practice.

• Year Level Coordination 2020- Present (Years 7–10)
• NAPLAN Coordination
• Timetabling
• Behaviour and wellbeing planning
• Curriculum leadership (Mathematics)
• Staff mentoring and support
• Parent and community liaison

• Mr Simon Dent, Principal, Ulverstone Secondary College, (03) 6473 1223, simon.dent@decyp.tas.gov.au
• Mr Kurt Crawford, Assistant Principal, Ulverstone Secondary College, (03) 6425 1433, kurt.crawford@decyp.tas.gov.au

• Demonstrated exemplary teaching practice, As Head of Mathematics and Year 7 Coordinator, I lead exemplary teaching practice by modelling explicit instruction, clear lesson structure and formative assessment. I explicitly embed literacy into Mathematics through the teaching of vocabulary, sentence structures for explanation, worked examples and mathematical reasoning. I share these practices with colleagues through planning conversations, modelling and coaching., Students demonstrate improved clarity, engagement and confidence in Mathematics. Teachers embed literacy strategies more consistently across Mathematics classrooms, improving student understanding and communication of mathematical thinking.
• Educational planning, curriculum construction, resource allocation and learning environments, I lead curriculum planning across Mathematics aligned to the Australian Curriculum and school priorities, including the embedding of literacy skills. As Year 7 Coordinator, I support the establishment of structured, predictable learning environments and contribute to resource allocation for intervention and support programs., Curriculum delivery is coherent and consistent, learning environments are calm and supportive, and resources are targeted to areas of greatest student need.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role and the capacity to bring about change, I lead improvement initiatives as Head of Mathematics and Year 7 Coordinator by setting clear expectations, supporting staff through planning and implementation, and guiding change collaboratively. I lead NAPLAN preparation and analysis, and support staff to use results to inform teaching practice., Change initiatives are embedded rather than short-term. Staff confidence in using data increases, and teaching practices become more aligned and effective across teams.
• Professional self-development and development of others (including pre-service teachers), I actively engage in professional learning and lead the development of others by supporting colleagues, including beginning and pre-service teachers, through mentoring, feedback on planning, and classroom practice support. I also work alongside the Quality Teaching Coach to support literacy interventions., Teachers build confidence and capability more quickly, early career and pre-service teachers feel supported, and literacy practices are strengthened across learning areas.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with students, teachers, parents and community, As Year 7 Coordinator, I work closely with all colleagues, students and parents to support behaviour and learning. I lead communication and collaboration around behaviour support plans, ensuring consistent expectations and shared understanding across home and school., Relationships are strengthened, behaviour support is more consistent, and students experience clearer expectations and improved wellbeing and engagement.
• Personal skills of flexibility, adaptability, initiative and innovation, I demonstrate flexibility by responding to emerging behavioural and learning needs across Year 7 and Mathematics. I take initiative to adjust behaviour support strategies, intervention groupings and teaching approaches in response to data and feedback., Support is timely and responsive, staff feel supported through change, and student engagement and behaviour improve over time.
• Demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity in curriculum, leadership and consultative management practices, I lead inclusive practices by working with colleagues to adjust curriculum, embed literacy supports and implement behaviour support plans. I ensure student voice and family input are considered in decision-making., Students with diverse needs have improved access to learning and support, and staff feel confident implementing inclusive strategies.
• Demonstrated capacity to commit to the Department’s values, I model the Department’s values through respectful leadership, collaboration and integrity. I apply these values consistently in my work with colleagues, students and parents, particularly when supporting behaviour and wellbeing., A positive, professional culture is strengthened where students feel safe, families feel heard, and staff work collaboratively to support student success.