Have you dreamt of teaching rural or remote, but unsure if it is for you?
Angela’s story is a testament to the power of stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing the unique opportunities that rural and remote Queensland can offer.
Seeking a new adventure and professional growth, fourth-year teacher Angela decided to take part in the department’s Rural and Remote Teacher Experience Program.
She ventured from Brisbane to Cloncurry, a vibrant town in the heart of Queensland's outback where the welcoming community left a lasting impression.
During the week, I was fortunate enough to be driven to school every day, we went on sightseeing tours and one morning I had breakfast with one of the other teachers,’ Angela recalled.
‘That’s something I didn’t have before coming here – that time to just hang out, have breakfast or a coffee together before school – I really enjoyed that. The small-town social aspect was a big eye opener. There’s so much more staff interaction outside of school and more chance to make connections.
'At school, I had the opportunity to take some shared reading groups across multiple year levels each day. I was also put on some class covers for English and maths, and this gave the classroom teachers some extra non-contact.
‘During lunch breaks, I went out and spent time with the students in the playground and they gave me some fabulous advice about the town.’
Angela said she originally took part in the program with the intention of moving out to a rural or remote school more permanently, but it was a decision she couldn’t make alone.
‘I was very excited to move but I didn’t want to make that decision without my partner, so it was really helpful that the program allowed him to come and see it too,’ she said.
‘He was able to visit for the weekend and we both got to go to Mt Isa as well. We were really welcomed here. He came out during their big Curry Merry Muster Festival, so it was a big weekend in Cloncurry.
'On the Friday when he arrived, they were having this town float experience where we got to jump up onto the float with the school students, and we were driving through the town having lollies thrown at us. It was extremely fun, and we got to follow that up with going to the rodeo the next day.
‘After coming back from the [RRTEP] experience, my partner and I knew we wanted to move to Cloncurry. We thought it’s beautiful, it’s far from home but it’s only a plane ride away, and we were excited to have this journey and have our first home together.
‘In November, I came back out to Cloncurry and did the North Queensland Remote Ready Program. It was beautiful to have the kids remember me. I was only there for one week in July, jumping around from class to class, so for them to remember me made me realise this is definitely where I want to be and what I want to do.
Angela said the two short visits gave her the opportunity to meet multiple students and staff which made the transition from Brisbane to Cloncurry much smoother.
‘I have taken on a specialist role here so it was really nice to be able to meet the students before I started, especially when relationships are so key in this role.
‘I also got to meet the staff I would be working with and start developing some strong friendships. I cannot tell you how much the friendships have meant to me, and that feeling of support here. It made me more excited to make the move in January, to catch back up with the people I would call family while living away.
‘100% recommend!’
Are you ready to embark on a life-changing experience?
The Rural and Remote Teacher Experience Program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant communities of rural and remote Queensland.
Discover the magic for yourself and
express your interest today.