The Teach Rural Career Fair is your chance to explore the wonderfully diverse professional and personal opportunities available to teachers in state schools across Queensland’s rural, remote and regional communities.
About
Why attend the Teach Rural Career Fair
This event is designed to help you explore the first or next step in your teaching career and give you a roadmap for your teaching journey.
Join us to:
- Find your fit: Explore where your teaching expertise is most needed, and the professional and personal opportunities that come with living in rural, remote and regional communities.
- Know your worth: Chat to the experts about the generous financial incentives, relocation, housing support and family benefits we offer.
- Level up: Discover career pathways, professional development opportunities and transfer options for current state school teachers.
- Get practical: Learn about the teacher recruitment process and how we can support you to experience teaching in rural, remote or regional state schools.
- Engage and connect: Attend seminars and panel sessions and meet our range of exhibitors who can help you navigate your next career move.
At the Teach Rural Career Fair
You will be able to speak with our friendly recruiters and representatives from state schools across our
Central Queensland, Darling Downs South West, Far North Queensland and North Queensland regions, about current and future employment opportunities. You can also connect with our experts about our teacher application and recruitment processes, transfer and relocation opportunities, casual and relief teaching, financial incentives and teacher housing and professional development opportunities.
Our Teach Queensland Ambassadors will also be on hand to share their experiences teaching and living in communities across the state. Get ready to be inspired!
You’ll also have the chance to attend informative seminars and panel sessions, and connect with a range of exhibitors and sponsors—including the Queensland College of Teachers—who provide valuable support and services for Queensland state school teachers and leaders.
Make the most of your visit
Here’s a few tips to make sure you get the most out of our Career Fair.
- Check out the list of exhibitors, the floor plan and our seminar program on this website so you can plan your visit.
- Make sure your profile is complete and accurate when you complete the registration form. You will be able to share these details with those you connect with at the Career Fair using your personalised event QR code, making it easier for them to follow up with you after the event.
- Have your confirmation of registration (QR code) handy, so you can use our express entry line.
- Do some research to get a feel for the different
places you can teach in Queensland and think about your needs and that of your family so you can consider these in your conversations and hopefully find the perfect community for your first or next teaching role.
- Compile a list of questions you’d like to ask our recruiters, school representatives and experts on the day.
- Plan your time at the Career Fair to ensure you don’t miss the exhibitors you’d like to connect with and the seminar sessions you'd like to attend.
Bring your family and friends, so they can be part of the conversations about the opportunities that are available to you.
Please note that we have staggered entry times to the main exhibition hall to make sure that you have the best opportunity to speak with the exhibitors that you want to connect with and ensure a positive experience for all attendees.
Seminars
Our highly regarded information and panel sessions, provide another way for attendees to access the information they are seeking, including insights from teachers and schools leaders currently living and working in rural, remote and regional communities.
You are able to attend any (or all) of the seminar sessions, regardless of your selected entry time for the exhibition hall. There is no need to register for individual sessions, however we recommend arriving at the seminar room at least 10 minutes before each session commences to secure your seat.
Enrich lives, including yours: Living, teaching and thriving in regional, rural and remote communities
10:30 am – 11:15 am
Discover the life-changing impacts that come with teaching beyond Queensland’s great south east! Join our panel of teachers and school leaders as they share the inspiring stories behind their careers—from deep, enduring community bonds to financial benefits and relocation support, and the rapid professional growth that only happens in rural, remote and regional schools. It’s more than a job; it’s a chance to build a purposeful life while making a world of difference.
Speakers
Teacher and Teach Queensland Ambassador
Cooktown State School
Far North Queensland Region
Katie will MC this panel discussion.
Inspired by the impact teachers can have through caring, motivating and opening students' eyes to the wider world, Katie knew teaching was the right career for her. A Teach Queensland Careers Fair led her to Mackay for her first teaching role, with plans to stay for only three years before returning to the city. Instead, her teaching journey included a brief return to Brisbane before continuing to Bowen and now even further north to Cooktown.
Along the way, Katie embraced the opportunities and adventures that come with rural and remote teaching, swapping city life for 4WDing and rooftop tents, a lifestyle she now describes as addictive. She has also taken on leadership opportunities to further develop her skills and contribute to her school community.
Head of Department (Curriculum)
Hughenden State School
North Queensland Region
Clare is a Year 5/6 teacher and Head of Department (Curriculum) who has worked in a broad range of education contexts, teaching across different year levels and learning areas. Her twenty-year teaching career has taken her from rural communities in the Darling Downs South West region including Morven State School and Roma State College, to urban settings at Drayton State School and Rangeville State School, and supply teaching overseas in London.
In 2022, a trip to the tip of Queensland inspired Clare to embark on a transfer to Hughenden State School in north west Queensland. She relocated with her family where they have all thrived. Her husband runs his own plumbing business and her two children love the lifestyle and the opportunities in this small outback town.
Now in a leadership role, Clare is passionate about supporting early career teachers and is a strong advocate for the benefits of stepping outside your comfort zone and teaching in rural and remote communities.
Deputy Principal
Kingaroy State High School
Darling Downs South West Region
Trent is an experienced school leader who has worked across a wide range of schools throughout the Darling Downs South West region. Beginning in wellbeing-focused and curriculum roles, he developed a strong foundation in supporting student and staff success before moving into senior schooling leadership, and now specialises in staffing, HR, timetabling and recruitment.
He is passionate about building sustainable systems that support both staff and student success, with a particular focus on embedding artificial intelligence to reduce staff workload and improve efficiency.
Trent is also a proud parent with one child completing Year 12 this year and another currently studying law at QUT, which continues to shape his strong connection to education from both professional and personal perspectives.
Head of Campus,Bamaga Junior Campus
Northern Peninsula Area College
Far North Queensland Region
Helen is an experienced school leader who has transitioned from secondary art teacher to a Head of Campus for a primary school. Her career has spanned diverse educational settings across Queensland, beginning at Lockyer Valley State High School in the Darling Downs South West Region, followed by roles in Barcaldine State School in Central Queensland, Cloncurry State School in North Queensland, Bellbird Park State Secondary College in the Metropolitan South Region, and is now the Head of Campus at Northern Peninsula Area College's Bamaga Junior Campus in Far North Queensland.
Through leading and teaching across metropolitan, regional and remote communities—while raising a family—Helen has developed a deep understanding of what it takes not only to succeed, but to thrive in complex and remote contexts.
She is passionate about rural and remote education and strongly believes in the importance of educators embracing these opportunities, both to enrich their own professional practice and to make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
Principal
Alpha State School
Central Queensland Region
Tim relocated from Brisbane to Central Queensland to begin his career under a Permission to Teach arrangement and has built a strong foundation in rural and remote education.
Over the past decade, Tim has worked across Kindergarten/Prep to Year 10 settings, taking on roles that span classroom teaching, middle leadership as Head of Department – Curriculum and principalship. His experience includes positions at Aramac State School in Central Queensland, Goomeri State School in the Darling Downs South-West region. Now at Alpha State School he continues to demonstrate a commitment to school improvement, community partnerships and excellence in education for every student. Guided by his core leadership values—putting people first, focusing on the “one percenters" and leading by example—Tim develops high-performing teams through a balanced approach that is strategic, instructional, and personable.
From campus to the classroom: Launch your teaching career in regional, rural and remote state schools
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
If you are ready to make the leap from preservice to beginning teacher, join us for this panel session and hear how teaching in a regional, rural and remote state schools, can help you thrive.
Our panel of school leaders and early career teachers will share an unfiltered look at how to set yourself up for success—from mastering the classroom to finding your feet in a brand-new community.
Speakers
Principal and Teach Queensland Ambassador
Mackay North State High School
Central Queensland Region
Michelle will MC this panel discussion.
With more than 35 years of dedicated service in the Department of Education, Michelle has built a distinguished career marked by strong leadership, adaptability and a deep commitment to educational excellence.
She began her journey as a hospitality teacher at Kepnock State High School in the North Coast Region before progressing to Deputy Principal in 2000. Since then, Michelle has successfully undertaken a range of acting Principal roles across special schools, primary schools, secondary schools and P–12 school communities.
In 2026, Michelle has relocated to Mackay North State High School, bringing with her a wealth of experience, a collaborative leadership style and a passion for supporting students, staff, and school communities to thrive.
Early Career Teacher
Cairns Special School
Far North Queensland
A dedicated and passionate educator, Lauren is in her fourth year of teaching and holds a Bachelor of Primary Education with a specialisation in Disability Inclusion.
She has already taught across diverse educational contexts, including both regional and metropolitan schools in Melbourne and Cairns, bringing a broad and adaptable perspective to her practice.
With valuable experience in special education settings, Lauren is committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all students. Her professional approach is grounded in evidence-based strategies, collaboration and a strong belief in equitable access to quality education for every learner.
Teacher
Charleville School of Distance Education
Darling Downs South West Region
Ainsley is an experienced secondary teacher with a background in Health and Physical Education, Geography and Humanities education. She has worked across both metropolitan and remote Queensland settings, teaching at Benowa State High School on the Gold Coast before moving to Charleville School of Distance Education in South West Queensland.
In her current role, Ainsley teaches students across regional and remote communities while also coordinating Health and Physical Education curriculum implementation. She has also held pastoral care and student wellbeing roles across a range of year levels, supporting students and families in both face-to-face and distance education settings.
Her experience in different school contexts provides practical insight into student engagement, curriculum delivery and opportunities to support learners in regional and remote communities.
Early career teacher
Cloncurry P-12 State School
North Queensland Region
Jayden relocated from Brisbane to the north Queensland town of Cloncurry and has been teaching at Cloncurry State School P–12 for the past two years. Since making the move, Jayden has enjoyed becoming an active member of the local community and values building strong relationships with students, families and colleagues.
Outside of school, Jayden enjoys getting involved in community sport and spending weekends camping, which has helped strengthen their connection to life in the region.
Jayden is passionate about contributing positively to a close‑knit school community and embracing the opportunities that come with living and teaching in a rural and remote settings.
Principal
Rockhampton State High School
Central Queensland Region
Matt is an experienced leader and school Principal who is driven by a clear belief that every student can succeed, regardless of background, ability or circumstance.
Beginning his career in 2007 after rediscovering a passion for education, Matthew has progressed through roles including Deputy Principal, Principal and Lead Principal, and most recently as a School Improvement Coach across Central and Far North Queensland regions.
He is now the Principal of Rockhampton State High School, leading a school community that supports over 1,200 students. Matt brings extensive expertise in instructional leadership, data-informed improvement and coaching, working alongside colleagues and leadership teams to strengthen capability and deliver measurable gains in student outcomes.
Known for his relational approach and ability to lead complex teams, Matt fosters accountability, trust and continuous improvement across diverse school contexts. His work is underpinned by a commitment to equity and excellence, and a future-focused mindset shaped by his studies at Central Queensland University, enabling him to support schools to innovate and thrive.
Ready to teach: A guide to the teacher recruitment process
12:45 pm – 1:30 pm
We’ve brought together the teacher recruitment pros and the Queensland College of Teachers to help fast-track your journey into the classroom. From mastering application processes to maximizing your chances for employment, we’ll help you navigate the requirements so you can secure a teaching role—permanent, temporary, or casual—that fits.
Where teaching can take you next: Transfers, mobility and career progression
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Unlock the full potential of your teaching career. Join our experts to learn how teacher transfers and relocations can open new doors that can turn into major career milestones. We’ll provide the practical guidance to help you explore new horizons, master the transfer process, and tap into the support you (and your family) need to navigate your next big move with confidence.
FAQs
We recommend registering early to secure your preferred entry time for the exhibition hall and express entry, and to receive event updates. Visit the registration webpage.
If you arrive at the event without having pre-registered, our friendly team will help you complete the registration form and access your personalised QR code.
This is your personalised event QR code, which acts as your ticket for entry to the exhibition hall and seminar room. It also allows you to easily share the details you provided at the time of registration with our recruiters, school representatives and exhibitors at the Career Fair.
The information you provided when registering to attend the Career Fair will be shared with exhibitors when you let them scan your personalised QR code. This will enable them to easy make notes about their conversation with you and any follow up actions required. It can also enable them to contact you after the event about relevant opportunities and information.
No. The Teach Rural Career Fair is a free event hosted by the Queensland Department of Education.
You’ll be meeting recruiters, principals and future colleagues so it’s important to consider about how you present yourself. Think smart casual and comfortable—it is a Saturday after all!
The Teach Rural Career Fair has a focus on rural, remote and regional state schools, so you can expect to connect with a wide range of school leaders, teachers and regional staff from across our Central Queensland, Darling Downs South West, Far North Queensland and North Queensland Education regions.
There will also be some representatives from schools and regions across South East Queensland in attendance on the day.
Absolutely! You can connect with our experts about the range of financial incentives and support available to teachers in state schools. We recommend visiting the relevant information booths to get your specific questions answered, as well as join our information and panel sessions to gain more insights about the benefits.
Yes! It’s never too early to be considering your first teaching role and ensure you have the up-to-date information about employment opportunities and processes.
Even if you aren't graduating this year, it’s a perfect opportunity to find out about how we can support you to undertake your professional experience placements in regional, rural and remote rural state schools and be inspired by the teaching pathways ahead of you.
There are no formal cloakrooms at the venue. It is best to bring only a small bag or backpack that you can easily carry while exploring the event.
Free barista-made coffee, tea or mocha will be available thanks to our premium sponsor, the Queensland Teachers’ Union.
Several highly rated café options, open on Saturdays, are located around the South Bank region.