Five reasons to teach in a Queensland state school

​​​​​​There are many reasons why you should consider teaching in a Queensland state school. Here are our top 5.

1. We are the largest employ​​er of teachers in Queensland

The department has more than 1,250 state schools across Queensland, employing more than 50,000 teachers to deliver a high-quality education to more than 500,000 students.

This means we have a diverse range of schools in unique and interesting locations that offer everything from laid-back coastal living to the feeling of a close-knit country town.

If you teach in a school outside of Brisbane or a major regional area, you may also be eligible to receive additional rural and remote benefits​, like extra leave, subsidised accommodation and more opportunities for permanent employment.

2. Our schools ​are inclusive

We All Belong. It’s not just a statement, it’s our workplace inclusion and diversity framework (PDF, 3.9MB). As an employer, we value difference among our staff as it makes us stronger and more connected with the students and communities we serve. We embrace the different skills, knowledge and experiences every staff member brings to work. Our inclusion an​d diversity​​ programs and practices include:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• Able. Valuing talent in all abilities (employees with diverse abilities)
• Generational Diversity (employees of all ages)
• Many Cultures (culturally and linguistically diverse employees)
• Neurodiversity. More than able
• Pathways to Parity (gender equality for employees)
• Proud at Work (LGBTIQ+ employees).

In addition, our Flexible by ​​​Design​ framework​ provides clear direction for enabling conversations about flexible work arrangements.

3. We provide all kinds of support f​or our teachers

Whether you are just starting out in your first teaching role, have been teaching with us for decades or are returning to the classroom after extended time away, we offer a wide range of initiatives to empower you to be the best teacher you can be.

Our teachers (including supply teachers) have access to a wide range of professional learning and development programs and distance is no barrier!

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There are Teacher Learning Centres located in every region to provide professional learning, induction, mentor programs, networking events and individualised support for beginning teachers, which complement a wide range of resources that have been specifically designed to help beginning teachers navigate their first years of teaching.

The Rural and Remote Centres for Learning and Wellbeing, located in Mount Isa, Roma, Emerald and Atherton, with additional satellite centres further afield, provide professional learning and wellbeing support to teachers in rural and remote areas. This includes developing leadership capability, mentoring beginning teachers, coaching mid and experienced teachers, supporting new remote school staff and facilitating inter-agency wellbeing support for staff, students and families.

Teachers have access to a range of qualified school-based and region-based specialists to ensure students get the support they need. These include support staff, guidance officers, Principal Advisors-Mental Health, therapists (speech, physio and occupational), registered nurses, youth support coordinators and community education counsellors.

Most importantly, we recognise that the performance of our teachers may be affected by work or non-work-related issues and offer access to free, confidential, face-to-face or telephone counselling services for all staff and their immediate family members. Read more about our Employee Assistance Program​.

4. More opportunities to progress your career

As the largest employer of teachers in Queensland, we also have more opportunities for you to progress your teaching career.

Our Take the Lead program prepares high-performing state school teachers and leaders for leadership roles in rural and remote state schools. The 3 strands of this program are as follows:

1. Aspiring Small School Principals—For experienced, high-performing educators who are interested in becoming teaching principals in small rural and remote schools
2. Aspiring Associate Leaders—For experienced, high-performing educators who are interested in middle leadership roles such as heads of department, heads of curriculum, heads of special education services and deputy principals in rural and remote schools
3. Aspiring Large School Principals—For school leaders who are interested in becoming large school principals in rural and remote schools.

We also recognise and reward Highly Accomplished teachers and Lead teachers who have achieved certification through the national process developed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

If leadership is something you aspire to, we encourage you to talk to your principal and/or mentor and map out a career plan.

5. We offer one of the highest graduate starting salaries in Australia

For a permanent or temporary beginning teacher with a 4-year degree, we offer a base salary of just over $78,000* per year.

Casual teachers in Queensland state schools are paid approximately $88* per hour.

Teachers who are working in rural and remote state schools may also be eligible for additional benefits, including financial allowances, subsidised housing, flight allowances and relocation expenses.

As you gain more years of experience as a classroom teacher, you can expect to earn a base salary of up to approximately $133,277* per year as a lead t​eacher and up to $219,855* per year as an executive principal of one of our largest, most complex schools.​

Read more about pay and benefits​ for Queensland state school teachers.

(*all figures current as at January 2023)