Ask a teacher about their time in a regional, rural or remote school and they’ll tell you it was one of the best parts of their career. Between opportunities to develop professional skills, the incomparable personal growth, the amazing people and lifetime friendships, it’s an unforgettable experience.
But Queensland is a big state, with around 60% of our schools outside metropolitan areas. So how do you choose the right rural or remote location to flex your teaching muscles? Here are 6 questions to reflect on when considering your options.
1. What kind of activities would I like to do in my down-time?
Reflect on your ideal lifestyle to help you find your perfect location match.
If you’re a nature lover who can’t wait to get out and enjoy a weekend adventure in the sunshine, perhaps the Far North Queensland region or North Queensland region could be for you. Based up north you’ll have world heritage rainforest and reef, savannah lands, islands, waterfalls, beaches, and volcanoes right on your doorstep.
If you get a thrill from being involved in community life, maybe you’d like to find a place with local events and festivals so you can get to know your neighbours. Say you head to the Darling Downs South West region, you could be right in the action to enjoy Toowoomba’s famous Carnival of Flowers, try your luck at watermelon-skin skiing (yep, it’s a thing!) at Chinchilla’s Melon Festival, or get your smashed avo fix at the annual Blackbutt Avocado Festival.
Explore the regions and discover the things you could do:
2. Would I like to teach in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community?
Working in a community can be incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally. You’ll form deep connections with people in the community of all ages. Plus, you’ll gain an invaluable insight to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, traditions, knowledge, language and perspectives which will enrich your teaching practice going forward.
We’ll support you with a comprehensive induction program to help you prepare, as well as a professional development in cultural awareness and second language pedagogy.