sam11480 Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Hello I am a Primary School Teacher from UK (2 years experience) and am looking to relocate to Australia. I am considering all areas of Australia at the moment as I am unsure of where to start looking for a job and where it would be easiest to get a teaching job. Is it feasible to apply for jobs before making the move or would schools only employ me once I am in the country? Also where are the best places to search for teacing jobs? Any advice about how to approach job hunting in Australia for Primary School Teacher jobs would be much appreciated. I am at the very beginning of my research and so all advice would be very appreciated! Thank you, Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Do you have a visa? Because otherwise it is only possible to move as a primary school teacher with state or employer sponsorship ... and I don't think many states are sponsoring. There is a lot of competition for teaching jobs amongst people who are here with full working rights, I think you have little to no chance from overseas. Perhaps you come over on a WHV and try your luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chall77 Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 You need 3 years minimum experience mate. I'm in the middle of applying but don'e expect to get a job somewhere good so I'm looking at teaching remote. Have a look into it and good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Do you have 4 year training? Or degree plus PGCE? Quite a few teachers have encountered difficulties getting their qualifications accepted. Even if you do get your quals accepted and somehow get a visa then there is huge competition for primary teaching positions especially in the places that people actually want to live. Make sure you have lots of other strings to your bow eg special Ed, music, second (Asian) language etc to make you stand out a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy1 Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 (edited) In answering your question, there isn't a state/territory that is easier to get a job in at the moment as there is a surplus of teachers nationwide and hundreds are unemployed. However, there is more chance for you to obtain a position if you go remote. Remote is a very different scenario to what it would be in the UK, so do make sure that you research well and understand what it means. It is a requirement to have four years of university study to be able to teach in in Australia. Three years study and the GTP route is not accepted over here. If you only have three years of uni, then start thinking about a one year post grad in special needs or some other relevant area. Each state and territory has its own teaching registration board. You cannot teach in a government or private school until you are registered with them. If you move state then you have to apply and register with the board in that state. Once you have been registered as a teacher with them, you then can then apply to both government and private schools. Again, each state is different. One third of all government schools in WA are now independent ( merit select) which means that you can apply for positions at that school ( most likely their pools rather than an actual position), when they are advertised on the Jobswa website.If a job comes up then the school select someone the want from their pool. I have just obtained a new job for the new year through this method( have been in Oz a long time). For all other positions with government schools you must apply to the fixed term pool and then someone in central staffing ( Perth) may or may not place you in a school, somewhere - anywhere. You have no choice where, but if you decline a position you go to the bottom of the pile again.It's a flawed system that teachers here generally despair over. This example I have given you is for Western Australia. Private schools advertise in newspapers and on Seek.com.au The nature of teaching at the moment is fixed term contracts. It is very hard to get permanency and many teachers wait the whole Christmas holidays not knowing if they have jobs to go to ( I have scores of friends in this situation). Permanency is easier to get with private schools. I think that in your case you need to start researching which states/territories may have teachers on their sponsor list- I have no idea about that.You also need to start collecting all of your information together. You will need detailed academic transcripts from your university, the paper list is long... Also start researching the different teacher registration boards for each state, as each has different requirements. NSW for example is particularly stringent on what it expects its primary teachers to have studied in their degree. Good luck. Edited January 7, 2013 by Sammy1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlight7 Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I think your main and possibly only chance is to go to a remote aboriginal area unless you are qualified to teach maths or science at secondary level. It would be a culture shock though and might involve rounding up strays! You may hit it lucky with a private school but I wouldn't hold your breath if I was you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy1 Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 I think your main and possibly only chance is to go to a remote aboriginal area unless you are qualified to teach maths or science at secondary level. It would be a culture shock though and might involve rounding up strays! You may hit it lucky with a private school but I wouldn't hold your breath if I was you! Yes, there is a need for teachers in Aboriginal communities, but again the department want teachers that do have a special interest in Indigenous education. Remember that for many of the students English may be their second,third or even fourth language. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam11480 Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share Posted January 8, 2013 Hi Sammy1 Thanks for the informative reply and for taking the time to advise. I appreciate it. I have to say I am slightly taken aback by the negativity of some of the responses on here. (Not yours which is very productive and informative). Basically people are saying that in the whole of Australia, there are no teaching jobs and if there are they won't be in good schools?! I think just to say 'don't bother' as some have on this post is very unhelpful. The job market in the UK is also very difficult and competitive and times are tough. However, I would never be so negative as to try and dissuade someone from abroad from trying to get a teaching job here. It wouldn't be easy but certainly not impossible and yes there are lots of UK teachers also struggling for permanant positions. However where there is a will there is a way. I know of fellow teachers from UK who have secured teaching jobs and moved to Sydney. Yes Sydney! As a skilled and professional person from a different country, I feel I am very employable and have a lot to offer. I haven't applied for a visa yet but have taken the initial tests and am confident this will not be a problem. When you say: 'It is a requirement to have four years of university study to be able to teach in in Australia. Three years study and the GTP route is not accepted over here' I have taken a 1 year PGCE after my degree. Are you saying that Australian Schools do not accept the PGCE as a teacher training qualification? I understand that the requirements vary as you have advised but generally what is the perception of having a PGCE? Also, someone mentions having three years experience. So if you have two, no school will consider you. Is that right? Many thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlight7 Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Put in an application and see what happens- you never know . There are hundreds of qualified Australians who cannot get jobs in primary schools though and I don't think people were being particularly negative- just realistic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy1 Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 (edited) Hi Sammy1 Thanks for the informative reply and for taking the time to advise. I appreciate it. I have to say I am slightly taken aback by the negativity of some of the responses on here. (Not yours which is very productive and informative). Basically people are saying that in the whole of Australia, there are no teaching jobs and if there are they won't be in good schools?! I think just to say 'don't bother' as some have on this post is very unhelpful. The job market in the UK is also very difficult and competitive and times are tough. However, I would never be so negative as to try and dissuade someone from abroad from trying to get a teaching job here. It wouldn't be easy but certainly not impossible and yes there are lots of UK teachers also struggling for permanant positions. However where there is a will there is a way. I know of fellow teachers from UK who have secured teaching jobs and moved to Sydney. Yes Sydney! As a skilled and professional person from a different country, I feel I am very employable and have a lot to offer. I haven't applied for a visa yet but have taken the initial tests and am confident this will not be a problem. When you say: 'It is a requirement to have four years of university study to be able to teach in in Australia. Three years study and the GTP route is not accepted over here' I have taken a 1 year PGCE after my degree. Are you saying that Australian Schools do not accept the PGCE as a teacher training qualification? I understand that the requirements vary as you have advised but generally what is the perception of having a PGCE? Also, someone mentions having three years experience. So if you have two, no school will consider you. Is that right? Many thanks again. Hi Sam A PGCE is accepted here,I was really referring to the route where student teachers in the UK learn on the job and don't do the theoretical studies at university. Just one thought is that if you have a three year degree and a one year PGCE in primary teaching, then NSW are very particular about what subjects/units you studied in your first degree. It really varies across the country. In WA they are more relaxed about. In the NT, well that's another world altogether. I would suggest that you contact the NSW teaching registration board ( as that is where you interested in) and they can advise you of the paperwork that you will need to start collecting. It's a long process, so it's a really good idea to get started now. This a relevant/useful link for you http://www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au/Teaching-in-NSW/Overseas-Trained-Teachers/ The job situation is very tough here at the moment - a lot of teachers are finding it difficult.However,there is a teacher shortage predicted in around three years in WA which will see the department recruiting state wide and no doubt overseas ( as they did a few years ago). I don't have the figures or research for the rest of the country though.If you can add another area such as special needs to your skills, it will hugely improve your chances. Private schools might well be an option for you, if you can obtain the visa. A lot of private schools advertise on Seek. Nothing is impossible. So hang onto your dream, just be aware that it will take some work to get here- but then often the best things do. Sam Edited January 9, 2013 by Sammy1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chall77 Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 I am sorry if I caused some confusion by stating you need 3 years experience because you don't. It's just big help in terms of scoring points for a visa application. Of course though scoring highly on IELTS is a good way of making sure you get the points you need. Good luck with everything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 PGCE is fine, GTP is not. No one is saying dont come - if you can find a state which is still giving visas to primary teachers. If you do find one then you probably wont be finding a job in Bondi but you may find one in Bourke which wont be your typical Pommie view of what Australia is like. NSW have a policy of hardship postings to earn points to get plum positions - if you take one of those for a couple of years you have a better chance of getting a permanent position somewhere "nice" down the track. I know you dont want to hear it but dont underestimate the difficulty in getting a position - there are loads of unemployed Australian teachers who just cant get a permanent position. The GFC also increased the pool of possible applicants as people who had moved out of teaching sought to get back into a recession proof occupation. Private schools may be a better option especially if you have a wide ranging CV with loads of supplementary skills Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 Comments in red. Hi Sammy1 Thanks for the informative reply and for taking the time to advise. I appreciate it. I have to say I am slightly taken aback by the negativity of some of the responses on here. (Not yours which is very productive and informative). I guess mine is in the unhelpful bucket then? Looking at it again, I have asked do you have a visa and pointed out that you would need a state sponsor and that not many states are sponsoring. It might not be what you want to hear, that does not mean it is unhelpful. Basically people are saying that in the whole of Australia, there are no teaching jobs and if there are they won't be in good schools?! I think just to say 'don't bother' as some have on this post is very unhelpful. The job market in the UK is also very difficult and competitive and times are tough. However, I would never be so negative as to try and dissuade someone from abroad from trying to get a teaching job here. It wouldn't be easy but certainly not impossible and yes there are lots of UK teachers also struggling for permanant positions. However where there is a will there is a way. I know of fellow teachers from UK who have secured teaching jobs and moved to Sydney. Yes Sydney! As a skilled and professional person from a different country, I feel I am very employable and have a lot to offer. You definitely asked for the forum's opinions on secuing work from overseas. If you already know that it is apparently very easy and you know loads of people that have done it, why did you ask for opinions? If you didn't want to get opinions on how easy or not it is to get a job then close your eyes and don't ask. Those of us in Australia and have been on the forums for a while, will have come across many many stories of people that cannot secure work as primary teachers. We thought you wanted to get a picture and so answered you in good faith. I for one did not realise you just wanted to be told "visa no problem, jobs no problem, go for it". Seems you do, my bad. I haven't applied for a visa yet but have taken the initial tests and am confident this will not be a problem. You cannot test for whether you will get state or employer sponsorship. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam11480 Posted January 9, 2013 Author Share Posted January 9, 2013 Hi Sam Great. I will keep researching and look into the advice you have given. All the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam11480 Posted January 9, 2013 Author Share Posted January 9, 2013 Hi Rupert You weren't actually in the 'unhelpful bucket!' It was more some of the other replies. I do appreciate the difference between realism and negativity and some responses definately were more the latter. My philosophy is if you're going to give a problem at least also offer a possible solution as well. Thanks to all for taking the time to reply and hope everyone is staying safe in the bush fires. Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemma Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 Hi Sam Just wondering how and if you have managed to get sorted? I'm an NQT looking to move over in a few years but want to get the ball rolling asap! I have done the 3 year degree in primary education with specialism of Sen How hard/easy was the whole finding a job process? Any help/advice at all will be really appreciated!! Thanks Gemma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy1 Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 (edited) Hi Sam Just wondering how and if you have managed to get sorted? I'm an NQT looking to move over in a few years but want to get the ball rolling asap! I have done the 3 year degree in primary education with specialism of Sen How hard/easy was the whole finding a job process? Any help/advice at all will be really appreciated!! Thanks Gemma You don't qualify to teach anywhere in Australia as you only have a three year degree, you need four years of university study. Your only option is to do a one year post grad course in a related discipline. Edited June 21, 2015 by Sammy1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemma Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 You don't qualify to teach anywhere in Australia as you only have a three year degree, you need four years of university study. Your only option is to do a one year post grad course in a related discipline. Aaarrgghh OK! I plan on doing a masters in special Ed. Did you find work over there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemma Posted June 21, 2015 Share Posted June 21, 2015 You don't qualify to teach anywhere in Australia as you only have a three year degree, you need four years of university study. Your only option is to do a one year post grad course in a related discipline. Aaarrgghh OK! I plan on doing a masters in special Ed. Did you find work over there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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