Broaden your horizons and Teach Rural

A new campaign has been launched to attract teachers to high priority teaching areas and locations outside Queensland’s south-east corner.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek officially launched the Queensland Government’s Teach Rural campaign and highlighted the teaching opportunities created by the impending move of Year 7 to high school.

“We need up to 1,300 additional teachers in Junior Secondary to support the move of Year 7 to high school next year, and we are also focused on attracting even more teachers to our schools in regional, rural and remote communities,” Mr Langbroek said.

“I encourage new graduates and existing teachers looking for a new challenge to consider employment in these locations and the opportunity to work in Junior Secondary.

“Moving outside the state’s south-east can open teachers up to incredible personal and professional opportunities.”

Mr Langbroek made the announcement in Emerald where he met with primary and secondary teachers to hear first-hand their experiences of teaching in a regional community.

“I’ve heard that the lifestyle and career opportunities have kept many teachers here longer than anticipated,” he said.

“This is reflective of the stories we’ve highlighted as part of the Teach Rural campaign.

From Atherton to Bowen and south to Millmerran, it’s clear we have amazing teachers throughout the state inspiring students to excel.

“The Newman Government invested $535 million into the Great Teachers = Great Results education plan to improve teacher quality and Teach Rural further highlights our commitment to our hardworking and inspiring teachers.

“Young Queenslanders deserve the very best educational experience regardless of where they live and great teachers play a critical role in shaping that experience.”

In addition to addressing the need for teachers in regional and rural parts of the state, Mr Langbroek said the formal recruitment process for Junior Secondary teachers had recently commenced.

“To support Junior Secondary students in Years 7 to 9, we need teachers who can demonstrate a real understanding of the academic, social and emotional needs of early adolescents,” he said.

“For this reason, we greatly value the experience of existing primary teachers, but we’re also looking for new and pre service teachers to register their interest in Junior Secondary without delay.”

The department’s Register of Interest for teaching in Junior Secondary, as well as more information about Teach Rural is available at www.teach.qld.gov.au/rural.

More information about the Flying Start reforms and the move of Year 7 to high school can be found at www.flyingstart.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 25 April 2014

Media contact: Emily Eklund 0403 645 519