Benefits of teaching in rural and remote areas

​​​​​​​​​​​​Teaching and living in rural and remote Queensland can be an incredibly rewarding experience for teachers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people, keen to experience new communities and ready to embrace a well-balanced lifestyle.

Whether you’re considering a transfer or a new permanent or temporary role, there are many personal and professional benefits available to teachers and their families who relocate to one of the many rural and remote communities across our state.

Here’s some of the reasons you should consider teaching and living in a rural or remote community:

• Increased e​​​​mployment opportunities​
  
• With approximately 60% of Queensland state schools located in a rural, remote or regional community there is a strong demand for teachers in these locations each year.
• The majority of permanent teaching roles each year are in schools outside of the major cities and urban centres.
• Stro​nger commu​​nity ties
• Parents and carers in rural and remote locations are passionate about their children’s education and value teachers who care about their child’s success.
• When teaching in rural and remote schools, you make a significant impact on the lives of young people within and beyond the classroom, and become an integral part of the local community, building close relationships with students, families and others in the community.
• Well-resourced schools and smaller class sizes
• State schools in rural and remote areas are well-resourced and teachers have access to a wide range of teaching resources, school and regionally based support services and professional development opportunities.
• Many also offer smaller class sizes which enables you to build stronger relationships with students and better understand and support their individual learning needs.
• Financial incentives
• Teachers and their families living in rural and remote communities have access to a wide range of benefits and financial incentives including relocation and settlement support, locality allowances, recognition of service payments, beginning and early career teacher support payments and subsidised travel.
• The Recognition of Rural and Remote Service Scheme also provides teachers and their families in eligible locations with access to additional benefits and support.
• Check out our choose your teaching adventure booklet​ to explore our rural and remote locations and the financial support and benefits you could be eligible for. 
• If you have an idea of where you would like to teach, our incentives and benefits calculator can provide you with an indication of the incentives you may be entitled to, based on your personal circumstances.
• Teachers in very remote schools may be eligible for a reduction in your HELP debt, through the Australian Government’s Reduction of Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debts for teachers in very remote areas scheme.
• Subsidised housing
• In many of our rural and remote communities, you may have access to teacher housing and subsidised rental rates, including family and pet friendly accommodation options. Availability of teacher housing is dependent on the location, availability and personal circumstances.
• In eligible locations, you may be entitled to up to 12 months’ rental​ assistance through the Rural and Remote Housing Incentive Scheme​. Access the webpage for information on ​eligible locations.