Teachers Moving or Living in Australia

[wolvesaussie]

Move to Adelaide, houses cost too much in Sydney

[Guest Guest226914]

@george8181 Thanks for all the information. Can the process to register be started from the UK or do I need to wait until I land? I am planning to hopefully arrive with my family at the end of the year and presume that the relevant authorities will be on holiday and so had hoped to have my registration done! Do you think this is possible?

 

At the time, I was very lucky and was able to register from the UK but I believe the rules have changed now. You have to apply for a working with children check and you have to go to an RTA in NSW in order to verify identity so I believe it is not possible to complete the whole process from UK.

 

However I have completed the approval to teach process 4 times (long story - don't ask!) and once you have all the documents and send them in everything is processed quite quickly - within a week or so. I would say get all the transcripts and ID etc certified so everything is ready to go as soon as you get to Aus. Then apply for the working with children check asap when you arrive and hopefully it should all be approved within a month at the latest.

 

Hope that helps. Let me know if I can help any further.

[benj1980]

Most can be done from the UK. I have a trip to the Embassy next week planned to get my docs signed. A pain in the arse but will all be sorted and ready to be sent off. I want to be set up on the supply lists on arrival in WA.

[milliem]

Just wanting to share some info on Science / Maths

 

I am a Science Maths teacher and landed in Oz with experience in teaching both. No real issues getting a job as they are usually paired together. Our school has just hired another UK teacher to teach Science / Maths combo. However she was unable to secure a contract to teach for the first 3 years in Qld and ended up in primary supply. This is most likely because despite many years experience, only Science was offered on the CV. So if you are a Science teacher and Maths is not yet in your toolkit, it might be worth taking on some Maths teaching or training before coming to Oz

[wolvesaussie]

Just wanting to share some info on Science / Maths

 

I am a Science Maths teacher and landed in Oz with experience in teaching both. No real issues getting a job as they are usually paired together. Our school has just hired another UK teacher to teach Science / Maths combo. However she was unable to secure a contract to teach for the first 3 years in Qld and ended up in primary supply. This is most likely because despite many years experience, only Science was offered on the CV. So if you are a Science teacher and Maths is not yet in your toolkit, it might be worth taking on some Maths teaching or training before coming to Oz

 

 

This is certainly true, memory is fading now but I think there was only about 10 straight science teaching jobs out of 100 when my girlfriend was applying. Had no maths experience but she was able to get a Maths/Science teaching job. They just give her the year 7 and 8 Maths classes to build her Maths experience. So I guess next time (Not that she will ever need to great school perm contract) she had to look for a job she should be much better placed with the maths experience.

 

We did notice this in advance and she tried to get Maths classes at her UK school but they weren't interested, why would they be when they have specialist maths teachers. Cant understand why 4 Maths/Science teachers is better than 2 Maths and 2 Science.

[dmjg]

?... Cant understand why 4 Maths/Science teachers is better than 2 Maths and 2 Science.

 

It gives more manoeuvrability in the timetable for the current and subsequent years, with the natural ebb and flow of student numbers, plus subject choices made at senior levels.

[Jes86]

Hi,

this is my first post and was hoping for some advice. My partner has been through the process and has a visa and will be in wa February next year. I am a teaching and hoping to get my own visa. I have looked into options of doing the visa myself or getting an agent - do applications often get rejected? I have a 4yr undergrad in psychology and a pgce and have just completed 2 years of teaching mainly psychology GCSE and a level but also science, phse, health and social care and childcare. I really enjoy teaching psychology. Is psychology a common subject in austrailia? Where do I look for jobs? I want to be more secure in the idea that I am likely to get a job before I start the application phase.

thanks for help in advance

jen

[Sammy1]

Psychology is generally not taught in Australian high schools, however, you may have more luck in a private school. Your possibilities of being employed as a psychology teacher are very slim. What is your PGCE in? If you have another subject area that you are qualified in then that will open up more doors for you.

[Jes86]

Thank you for your reply. Where would I find private school jobs? My pgce is in psychology and biology and I have been teaching a small part of key stage 3 science, a larger amount of heath and social care. I have seen a couple of job adverts for psychology that are usually mixed with science in the local websites but can't work out where else to look.

[Grabri]

Hi Jes86, in the UK I could teach Spanish, Italian and French. In Nsw I was approved only for Italian and Spanish. I think it depends on your degree. Best thing you can do is to get in touch with Bostes (or other State institution). The best way to emigrate is to get a partner visa. However do check if you can find teaching jobs, just to make sure you are making the right move.

[milliem]

Thank you for your reply. Where would I find private school jobs? My pgce is in psychology and biology and I have been teaching a small part of key stage 3 science, a larger amount of heath and social care. I have seen a couple of job adverts for psychology that are usually mixed with science in the local websites but can't work out where else to look.

 

 

You would probably find more roles coming in as a Science teacher, although this is usually coupled with Mathematics.

 

http://www.teachers.on.net/

 

http://www.ais.wa.edu.au/jobs-independent-schools/

[Jes86]

Do you need to have been living together officially to go on someone else's visa? I have spoken to an agent and they think said I could get a visa with my quals but my main worry is not getting a job. I wouldn't want my career to stop in oz. Any suggestions as to where to look for jobs?

[Jes86]

Thank you

[JockinTas]

*edit*

[VERYSTORMY]

Do you need to have been living together officially to go on someone else's visa? I have spoken to an agent and they think said I could get a visa with my quals but my main worry is not getting a job. I wouldn't want my career to stop in oz. Any suggestions as to where to look for jobs?

 

Yes, you need to establish you were a de facto couple in order to be included on another applicants visa. The length of time you need to have lived together will vary a bit by visa. Temporary 457 visas need to establish 6 months. For permanent visas 12 months

[Nyssa]

Hi Jes

Thought I would chip in with my experience as someone with a degree in Psychology and a PGCE to teach Science. I went through the registration with BOSTES to be registered as a science teacher in NSW. However because my degree is in Psychology I am required to study 6 more units of Science to be registered to teach Science here. I am registered to teach as a casual teacher only. So moving to Australia has meant an end to my career as a teacher. I didn't even realise it would be an issue until the paperwork from BOSTES came back! Clearly didn't do my research as thoroughly as I should have done!

 

Nyssa

[jkm86]

Hello,

 

I have just completed a Sport Science degree (with 1st class honours) in the UK and hope to emigrate to Oz and work as a Physical Education teacher. At the moment I'm unsure whether to complete teacher training in the UK (PGCE) starting Sep 2015/2016, or, fork out the international student fee's to complete a PGDE in Health and Physical Education at an Australian university (which I believe will qualify me for registration with the state teaching board). However, I'm also thinking that with Australia being the sporty country it is there will be a lot of competition for PE teacher jobs! Does anyone know what the PE teacher situation is like in Australia? Is anyone aware of UK PE teachers that have successfully made the move? I'm also aware of the decision Australia has made to require all teachers to have a masters level teaching qualification by 2017, so I am keen to get the ball rolling! Any advice will be appreciated! Thanks.

[VERYSTORMY]

Hello,

 

I have just completed a Sport Science degree (with 1st class honours) in the UK and hope to emigrate to Oz and work as a Physical Education teacher. At the moment I'm unsure whether to complete teacher training in the UK (PGCE) starting Sep 2015/2016, or, fork out the international student fee's to complete a PGDE in Health and Physical Education at an Australian university (which I believe will qualify me for registration with the state teaching board). However, I'm also thinking that with Australia being the sporty country it is there will be a lot of competition for PE teacher jobs! Does anyone know what the PE teacher situation is like in Australia? Is anyone aware of UK PE teachers that have successfully made the move? I'm also aware of the decision Australia has made to require all teachers to have a masters level teaching qualification by 2017, so I am keen to get the ball rolling! Any advice will be appreciated! Thanks.

 

Have you looked at what is required to pass the skills assessment and the post qualification experience?

[Scottie]

I have just joined and may start something separate however, I'll put my situation down and see who knows what.

 

I was going to make the move in my 20's with my wife, then my Mother died suddenly and we didn't go.

 

I'm now 40 (Classic mid life crisis age) and my wife is 47. We have no children.

 

We are in Scotland and I am a Head Teacher in a secondary school, my wife is a primary school class teacher.

 

We know we'll get in through being teachers through General Skilled Migration, and financially we know we can afford to make the move. We don't seem to think the cost of living is that high in Australia and some things do seem cheaper.

 

Also, we would go to Sydney region.

 

My main question is, after reaching the position of Head Teacher (or Principal to the Aussie's) what would I have to do in Sydney, or more so, what would I have to do.

 

As much as I'd love to walk into a Principal's position, I don't think I could, so does anyone know what would be the process for someone who is already where they want to be as Head Teacher in their career, but wants a new life in Sydney.

[Guest Guest226914]

Hello,

 

I have just completed a Sport Science degree (with 1st class honours) in the UK and hope to emigrate to Oz and work as a Physical Education teacher. At the moment I'm unsure whether to complete teacher training in the UK (PGCE) starting Sep 2015/2016, or, fork out the international student fee's to complete a PGDE in Health and Physical Education at an Australian university (which I believe will qualify me for registration with the state teaching board). However, I'm also thinking that with Australia being the sporty country it is there will be a lot of competition for PE teacher jobs! Does anyone know what the PE teacher situation is like in Australia? Is anyone aware of UK PE teachers that have successfully made the move? I'm also aware of the decision Australia has made to require all teachers to have a masters level teaching qualification by 2017, so I am keen to get the ball rolling! Any advice will be appreciated! Thanks.

 

Sorry to break the bad news but there is a MASSIVE oversupply of PE teachers in Australia. I think you would find it extremely hard to get a job here. I have a few friends who trained in PE and all of them have been qualified 8 or more years and still do not have work in their subject. Over here is is extremely common to find PE teachers doing temp blocks teaching other subjects. Australia does not seem to put a cap on how many people can train in one subject area and universities are churning out PE trained teachers who seem to be oblivious to the fact there is an oversupply.

[DGB]

Hi,

 

I am currently on a WHV in Perth. I have been accepted into ECU to undertake a Post Grad Diploma in Primary Education commencing Feb 2016. I will be an international student, and just ready to apply for my student visa.

 

However, before I 100% commit to it, I am wondering if anyone has any experience or knowledge of how likely I would be to find a sponsored job in a Primary School over here?

 

I've spoken to a couple of teachers who are friends of the family (sister and in-laws are over here) and they seem to think that as i'm a male, I would have plenty of suitors. The University were fairly ambiguous about the whole thing when I asked them, but my main concern is that with Year 6 being moved up to senior school, and upon reading an article of a few Primary Teachers who are worried about their job prospects in WA this coming year, that I may be a little naïve to fork out the hefty international student fees only on the hope I might find a sponsored job.

 

Does anyone have any advice or guidance?

 

Thanks in advance

[Sammy1]

Hi,

 

I am currently on a WHV in Perth. I have been accepted into ECU to undertake a Post Grad Diploma in Primary Education commencing Feb 2016. I will be an international student, and just ready to apply for my student visa.

 

However, before I 100% commit to it, I am wondering if anyone has any experience or knowledge of how likely I would be to find a sponsored job in a Primary School over here?

 

I've spoken to a couple of teachers who are friends of the family (sister and in-laws are over here) and they seem to think that as i'm a male, I would have plenty of suitors. The University were fairly ambiguous about the whole thing when I asked them, but my main concern is that with Year 6 being moved up to senior school, and upon reading an article of a few Primary Teachers who are worried about their job prospects in WA this coming year, that I may be a little naïve to fork out the hefty international student fees only on the hope I might find a sponsored job.

 

Does anyone have any advice or guidance?

 

Thanks in advance

 

I will be very frank with you. In 2014, all of the universities in Perth, sent letters to all of the primary education students and recommended that they consider the switch to secondary teaching.

 

The job prospects for primary are limited to say the least at the moment, male or not, it makes no difference. The education cuts have been horrendous and it is notable by the lack of jobs being advertised in the primary education sector this year. The university would be ambiguous with you, those international fees are where they make a lot of money.

 

The year seven cohort moved to high school for the first time this year, hence the need for more secondary teachers.

 

You will not get sponsored as a primary teacher in WA, this is because they are not sponsoring. This may change in the future and of course you could try private schools.

 

I recommend that you train in a secondary area of need, such as science, maths or design and technology.

Edited August 18, 2015 by Sammy1

[DGB]

I will be very frank with you. In 2014, all of the universities in Perth, sent letters to all of the primary education students and recommended that they consider the switch to secondary teaching.

 

The job prospects for primary are limited to say the least at the moment, male or not, it makes no difference. The education cuts have been horrendous and it is notable by the lack of jobs being advertised in the primary education sector this year. The university would be ambiguous with you, those international fees are where they make a lot of money.

 

The year seven cohort moved to high school for the first time this year, hence the need for more secondary teachers.

 

You will not get sponsored as a primary teacher in WA, this is because they are not sponsoring. This may change in the future and of course you could try private schools.

 

I recommend that you train in a secondary area of need, such as science, maths or design and technology.

 

Thanks, I appreciate you being straight forward.

 

Unfortunately I cannot train in a Secondary subject as my degree was only in Education Studies and I didn't take another topic alongside it.

 

Hey ho! I'm glad I found out now and didn't waste $21k on a qualification that wouldn't even work for me here!

[Sammy1]

Thanks, I appreciate you being straight forward.

 

Unfortunately I cannot train in a Secondary subject as my degree was only in Education Studies and I didn't take another topic alongside it.

 

Hey ho! I'm glad I found out now and didn't waste $21k on a qualification that wouldn't even work for me here!

 

Ok, what I would recommend if it has to be primary, would be to take a minor in special needs. Now that is an area that has potential down the track.

 

ECU has a great education program, so let don't let me put you off - please. I just wanted to be upfront about the challenges facing primary teachers at the moment.

[Guest Sestrese]

I'm new to this forum and have just spent the last few hours poring over all the posts - thanks so much to all of you who have shared such useful info. I'm heading to Melbourne next month (on a Perm Res visa and with my VIT reg now sorted) but have a couple of questions that some of you already in Aus might know the answers:

 

1. Are teaching interviews similar in format to England? - from what I've gleaned, am I right in thinking that candidates don't have to teach lessons etc? Are they all/half-day affairs etc? All insights v welcome..

2. I am predominantly a History teacher, with HoD and SLT experience, but appreciate I will need to be v flexible to get any sort of work in Melbourne (I gather it will be v tough). Aside from History, can anyone clarify what related subjects are taught in Victorian/Australian schools (e.g. Humanities, Global Politics)?

3. Is there a particular day when new jobs are advertised/published?

 

Thanks in advance...