Job Discussion Forums

[aphid]

Are there such things as middle school in Oz (ages 9-13 ish)? I am a UK teachers and I would like to explore opportunities to teach ICT in an Ozzie school if there is such a thing. Any pointers would be appreciated.

It also seems that there are difficulties recruiting teachers particularly for remote areas...? Is this true? If so, is it a geographical thing or are students more difficult to teach....?

Aphid

[eslstudies]

The Middle School concept exists, though students are generally split into Primary [5-13] and High [14-18]. "Middle School" here means Year Levels 6-9.
Yes, ICT is in demand, and vacancies are more common in rural areas. Smaller communities tend to have R-12 schools as well.
Contact the personnel departments of the various state and territory education departments. They all have websites with vacancies advertised online. Usually its contract work, though hard to fill positions may be permanent, or at least tenured. You'd need to get teacher registration, which I think is automatic for UK teachers.

[aphid]

Thanks for the reply. Interesting to discover that primary schools actually go up to the age of 13 - Primary [5- 13] - unless I am misunderstanding what 5-13 means. At least now I know that this area is something open to me to pursue further.

Are particular parts of Australia likely to be more fruitful, do you think?

Are you UK or Oz...?

[eslstudies]

I'm Oz. Kids start at 5 usually, then spend 8 years in primary then 5 in secondary.
Regional and remote areas have more trouble attracting teachers. "Tough" urban areas have a high burnout rate!

[aphid]

Thanks again for your reply. Being an OZ at least means you are speaking from experience. ; - )

"Regional and remote areas have more trouble attracting teachers."

Why is that...? I can understand the situation in urban schools but I would appreciate clarifiaction about regional and remote areas. Is it that teachers just don't like being away from city life...?

Aphid

[eslstudies]

You've got it! Remote communities can be physically harsh: heat, drought, lack of facilities. Usually, young teachers are sent to these locations with a guarantee of a return to the city after 3-4 years.
However, as one who spent 10 years in country locations, they have a lot going for them. Community spirit, lots of sporting and social life, some towns have good facilities, schools tend to have young, energetic staff............
In fact, if you're reasonably young and adventurous, I'd recommend the life.
State systems tend to advertise on their own websites, for eg:

http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/recruit/pages/teachinSA/

which is my own state. In fact, following the links you'll find that larger regional centres employ-and always need-permanent relieving [supply] teachers. This would be a good entry level position. Once your foot is in the door, finding a job of choice is much easier. Private and Catholic schools generally advertise through the press, much of which can be found online at:

www.careerone.com.au

Bear in mind that the school year is only 2 months old, so there won't be a lot of vacancies around yet.
Fire away with any more questions please!

[aphid]

Thanks for the information. Living and working in a more remote location wouldn't, in principle, bother me at all although I would not be looking for a supply post of any sort...even to get my foot in the door. Over here in the UK supply teachers are poorly treated by students and I guess its the same in Oz.

I have over 20 years of teaching experience, different schools and different responsibilities, and I am currently an ICT adviser for the local authority - sort of teaching teachers. Would my age - nearly 48 - be a barrier...?

[eslstudies]

I doubt it.

[G Cthulhu]

[smuvkat25]

[Def]

[eslstudies]

Def, I think if you Google "Middle Schooling", you'll get an idea of this international concept, which roughly encompasses 10-15 year olds.
I'd assumed this was what the OP had in mind, but I've been wrong before.

And Smuvkat, it might be worth contacting the Northern Territory Education Dept [again, Google].
They advertise and recruit aggressively here in Oz, and many of their positions involve isolated indigenous communities. They may be more receptive to your CV than the southern states too.

[smuvkat25]

Def & eslstudies,

you guys have been great! thanks for all of your advice. i'll definitely check into the northern territory of OZ to see about teaching positions. I'd much prefer teaching than having to go and get a doctorate degree to further my chances.

Again, I cannot thank you enough. You have been great.

Respectfully,


Nick

[Def]