Rural and remote benefits

​​Benefits of teaching in rural and remote schools

There are a lot of reasons why you should consider teaching in a rural and remote community, like fulfilling your sense of adventure and connecting deeply with your school community. The work itself can be life-changing, and in recognition of your rural and remote service, there are inductions tailored for your region, assistance to move, extended and additional leave entitlements, financial allowances, funded professional development and career progression opportunities.

Here's why you should take the leap.

A high demand for teachers in rural and remote communities

With 63% of state schools located in rural and remote Queensland, there are more permanent employment opportunities in these schools compared to schools in Brisbane or the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Be a valued member of the community

Parents in rural and remote locations are passionate about their children’s education and value passionate teachers who care about their children’s success. Your commitment will be rewarded by being warmly welcomed into their community and introduced to the many positive aspects of country living.

 

Shontelle reflects on her move to the outback town of Cunnamulla and how she and her family have been welcomed by the community.

Read more about Shontelle's experience in Cunnamulla.

Many great places to raise a family

Many of our rural and remote communities are great and safe places to raise a family. With an abundance of space to run around in and plenty of fresh air, your kids will have opportunities to exercise, explore, make friends and learn about the natural world around them. With a shorter commute time in many locations, you’ll also have more time to spend with the kids and make life-long memories.

 

Monique Podolak has been a teacher in Emerald for the past 14 years. Since arriving in Emerald, she now has 2 children and is enjoying the relaxed and safe lifestyle.

Read more about Monique's experience in Emerald.

Opportunities for professional development and career progression

Teachers who have taught in rural and remote communities often cite the professional development and career progression opportunities they received as one of the key reasons they valued the experience.

When you teach rural or remote, you’ll have access to professional development opportunities like you would in the city, but in addition, you may also have opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and accelerate your leadership options. We’ll also support you to pursue voluntary national Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher certification if you choose to do so. If your career goals relate to stepping up into leadership, our ‘Take the Lead’ program can support you to achieve your dream.

In some locations, we will also provide you with specialised induction programs, including cultural awareness training when necessary, to ensure you have everything you need to be successful in your new community.

If you’re an experienced teacher in a transfer rating 4 to 7 school location with at least 2 years’ experience, we may also support you to complete an additional post-graduate qualification within the education field through a professional learning grant​.

 

Teaching in Cunnamulla has provided Shontelle with the professional development and support to progress her teaching career.

Read more about how she has been supported.

Subsidised housing is offered in some locations

Subsidised rental rates may be available for teachers and their families in some rural and remote locations when we’re able to provide access to teacher accommodation. These rates can vary depending on the location and are subject to availability. Our Teacher housing policy provides more detailed information.

If this is something that is important to you, chat to our recruiters about the options in the geographic area you are considering teaching in.

Financial allowances and benefits that may support your rural and remote adventure

In addition to your salary, depending on the location, you may be entitled to receive:

• a recognition of location travel allowance, for you and your dependants to compensate you for the cost of travelling in and out of your community
• a locality allowance, which is a specific allocation of funds for your location
• an identified location allowance, if you’re teaching in an identified Indigenous community
• a recognition of location travel flight option, for teachers working in specific schools in communities under government reform.

If you extend your stay and continue to teach in rural or remote locations for longer than the required minimum service period, you may also be entitled to receive an additional allowance in some communities (known as a recognition of service payment).

Which locations are eligible for benefits?

Every state school has an allocated transfer rating from one to seven. Teachers in schools with a transfer rating between four and seven may be eligible to receive the allowances above. Schools with ratings of one and two are generally in metropolitan and regional cities and do not attract additional financial and non-financial benefits.​

Calculate the potential benefits you might be eligible for at a particular school using our online calculator. Download the choose your teaching adventure booklet (PDF, 11.8MB) to find transfer rating 4 to 7 schools and compare the potential allowances and benefits in each school by each region.​

Calculate your potential benefits

In addition, if you are permanently appointed to a school with a transfer rating between four and seven, after a number of years in that location you may be entitled to seek a guaranteed transfer to a school in your preferred geographic location.

We cover your moving costs there and back

If you accept a permanent or long-term temporary role in a location that requires you to move from your current place of residence, you may be eligible for support to help your move, including reimbursement of some expenses.

Payments or reimbursements may cover:

• moving employees and family along with personal effects
• temporary board and lodging
• other expenses related to taking up duty.

Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt reduction

If you extend your stay in a remote community, you may also be eligible for a reduction of your HELP debt from the Australian Government.

Visit the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website for more information.

Enjoy Queensland’s beauty on your doorstep

Whether you prefer to spend your weekends by the beach, camping, fishing, bushwalking or socialising over a coffee, you’ll find a community in Queensland that can offer you the lifestyle you are seeking, all with the added benefit of peace and tranquility and no peak hour traffic. Bonus!