For Declan Downes, becoming a teacher in remote Far North Queensland wasn’t just the beginning of his career, it was the start of a meaningful personal and professional journey.
Surrounded by mentors, backed by the Remote Ready Program and welcomed into a tight-knit community, Declan found the confidence to embrace new challenges, broaden his teaching skills and build meaningful relationships from day one.
‘I made the move to teach remote for the opportunity to test and grow my capabilities as an educator,’ he said.
‘The Remote Ready Program was fundamental to my success in starting at Weipa. It gave me a cultural introduction to teaching and living in the Cape York Region as well as an insight into the school I would be teaching at.
‘The program also put me in touch with the school leadership team, housing committee and the people who would be my point of contact when arriving. It gave me tools for success to ensure I hit the ground running and had a support network when challenges arose.’
Teaching in a remote community has offered Declan both challenges and rewards, with daily opportunities to extend his skills and enrich lives, including his own.
‘As a beginning teacher, my teaching practice has been shaped by my experiences in remote settings and the knowledge and skills shared by my teaching colleagues.
‘At a professional level, I have been able to step into different teaching disciplines, student support positions and subject coordinator roles. I have also come to recognise the interconnectedness that the school shares with the wider community and how they each play a role in supporting each other.
‘At a personal level, I have grown close with my colleagues who have become like family from the experiences we have shared and challenges we have helped each other navigate together.
‘This year has shaped my teaching identity which will continue to develop as I grow my skills as an educator and as an individual.’
Beyond the classroom, Declan has embraced the lifestyle that comes with living in Cape York, exploring pristine natural environments, forming strong community ties and discovering the unique rhythm of remote life.
‘The most rewarding part of teaching in Cape York is the daily reminder that I am surrounded by some of the most picturesque locations in the country. I am an afternoon’s drive from Fruitbat Falls, there are countless beaches, fishing spots and swimming holes around the area too.’
‘As a teacher, seeing students improve and achieve has been rewarding for me and as a person living in Weipa, getting to build connections with the town and surrounding communities has only made me enjoy my time in the Cape more.’
Declan has offered some advice to other teachers who are getting ready to start teaching in remote Queensland.
‘It is okay to not know everything, and this is expected of first year teachers, so my advice would be don’t shy away from asking for help when needed, as there are most likely several other teachers who were in your position not too long ago and will be happy to help.
‘The only regret you’ll have is not taking the opportunity to teach remote sooner!’
Ready to explore new horizons? Discover more of the
personal and professional benefits of teaching in remote Queensland.
About the Remote Ready Orientation Program
Are you about to start teaching in a rural or remote school with a Transfer Rating 5, 6 or 7? Through the Remote Ready Orientation Program, you’ll get the professional development, practical experiences and guidance you need to feel confident as you relocate, settle in and begin engaging with your new school and community.
You’ll learn how to navigate everything from school processes to local community expectations, all while building meaningful connections with colleagues and other staff in similar roles. The program offers content tailored to your location and role, so everything you learn is relevant and immediately useful.
If you’re eligible, the
Education Futures Institute will reach out to you directly with an invitation to join. This is a valuable opportunity to start your rural or remote teaching journey with the support, tools and connections you need to thrive from day one.
If you’re interested in teaching in a rural or remote state school,
apply now or
talk to a recruiter.