Skilled educators are in high demand in regional and rural areas, as schools across Australia continue to scramble for teachers to counter nationwide staff shortages.
But with alluring government incentives, rental assistance and the promise of an enriching cultural experience, should teachers leave metropolitan comfort behind in favour of rural schools?
With teacher satisfaction showing a steady decline since 2019, it’s clear that Australian teachers are overworked, under-appreciated and looking for a change. In 2023, over 86 per cent report having an ‘unmanageable workload’, with 70 per cent saying they wouldn’t remain in the profession until retirement.
So could rural schools be the answer to teachers’ troubles? Boasting smaller class sizes, a close-knit community and innovative teaching practices, rural schools are saying ‘yes’ as they continue to push for educators to ‘go bush’.
The benefits of a rural education
Beyond the metropolitan fringes, there is a diverse range of school settings for educators to explore. Teachers can work in small towns or larger regional areas, with opportunities to teach in primary schools, district high schools, and education support centres. This variety allows educators to develop a well-rounded teaching experience early in their careers and adapt to different learning environments.
Depending on the location, rural teaching jobs may also involve working closely with local indigenous communities. This provides a unique opportunity for educators to learn about the rich cultural history of these communities and incorporate this knowledge into the curriculum. As a result, teachers can contribute to preserving and promoting indigenous cultures while fostering understanding and respect among their students.
When you choose rural teaching, you become an essential part of the local community. Your impact extends beyond the classroom, benefiting the wider community and making a visible difference. As an educator in a rural area, you have the opportunity to connect with local families, participate in community events, and contribute to the overall well-being of the area.
A boost to the bank account
Teaching positions at high priority rural schools often come with various financial benefits and incentives. And with these benefits often including significant recruitment, retention and relocation bonuses, teachers can easily boost their income. For example, the Rural Teacher Incentive in Australia offers up to an additional $30,000 per year on top of a regular teaching salary.
Rural teachers are also eligible for significant rental assistance. With the NSW education department offering to subsidise between 50 and 90 per cent of rental payments (depending on location), teachers who make the move out of the city centres can significantly cut their cost of living. This is a relief to most metropolitan teachers, as a recent survey by the University of New South Wales finds that 90 per cent of teachers in NSW can’t afford to live where they teach.
Including additional leave for relaxation and several unique professional development opportunities, this ongoing support can help teachers grow and excel in their careers.
Fast-track your career
Rural teaching offers numerous opportunities for career progression – particularly for those aspiring to become school leaders. The collaborative working environments fostered within rural and remote schools allow teachers to quickly develop their leadership skills across various curricular and extra-curricular areas.
For example, the current Teacher Employment Priority Scheme (TEPS) for casual/temporary NSW government teachers helps teachers accelerate their priority for full-time employment. Educators using the scheme will see their priority increase for every 50 days of casual/temporary employment, with their priority date being able to be enhanced by six, 12 and 18 months.
Discover innovative teaching practices
Rural schools that excel are characterised by innovative leadership, a commitment to the community, and a strong focus on teaching and learning. As a result, educators in these schools can participate in and collaborate on creative new ideas for stimulating learning, leading to a more engaging and dynamic teaching experience.
With high school teachers or primary subject leads often having greater ownership over their subjects, teachers can plan lessons to their strengths and develop their passion for the subject – while still meeting the requirements of the curriculum.
The smaller size of rural schools also fosters a more transparent decision-making process between the faculty, allowing class teachers to have more of a say in school matters. This inclusive approach can lead to a more collaborative and efficient work environment.
Remote school employment opportunities often involve meaningful collaboration with the local First Nations community and the unique opportunity for educators to immerse themselves in the local history and culture of the communities they serve. By deepening their understanding of the area’s heritage, teachers can enrich learning experiences personalised to their students.
Don’t know if rural is for you? The Rural Experience Program allows permanent teachers to experience living and working in rural areas. Offering short-term trial placements, this initiative allows educators to explore the benefits of rural teaching firsthand and decide whether it is the right fit.
