Leading Out was an incredible team to work with. They helped me navigate through the tedious paperwork and somehow made the process less stressful and a lot more exciting. Even when I was settled overseas, they were always available to help with questions, concerns, confusions, or simply to offer some suggestions. It was comforting knowing that I always had someone I could reach out to for help.
What was your favourite classroom experience while in Australia?
Being a casual relief teacher brought me to new parts of the city every week. It was quite challenging to walk in to a group of students you had never met before and teach lessons you were not familiar with, but once I got accustomed to it, I was able to enjoy the journey and embrace the life of teaching on the fly. Not to mention, learning to entertain a group of students with my funny accent.
One experience that does stick out for me was my day as a Phys. Ed teacher at a Special Development School in Yarraville. I was so impressed with the support, the attention, and the detail that went in to coordinating lessons for these students. It was an extremely rewarding experience for me as a new teacher and I definitely left that day with more than I came in with.
What was your favourite travel experience?
Moving to Australia was an experience in itself. There are so many places to explore and if it weren’t for time and money, I would have done it all! I am very happy, however, that I was able to make the trip over to Tasmania. It was probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. We travelled over with no particular plan or schedule, but only a hand written list of suggested places to visit from friends and acquaintances we met along the way. It was quite refreshing to set out on the road with no time constraints or commitments. I don’t think there are many places in the world where you can get away with this type of haphazard plan, but it seemed that no matter where we went or which direction we took, it always left us in complete awe.
Why would you recommend teaching in Australia?
Teaching abroad was a great transition for me after graduating from teacher’s college. I was looking for an opportunity to travel while also continuing to gain experience as a teacher. It was nerve-wracking walking into a new class every day, but it was also quite exciting. Every day brought a new challenge and the whole process taught me a lot about myself and the world of teaching.
What advice would you give a new teacher moving to Australia?
Pack warm clothes. I thought I was escaping the Canadian winters by going to Australia…little did I know that I would have to wear socks and sweaters to bed some nights. Besides that, go in with an open mind and see every day as a new adventure. It’s a beautiful country filled with some amazing people.
Finding a teaching job has never been tougher. A recent article by University Affairs is reporting the reality of the teaching job market in Canada. It is discouraging for new teachers and the school boards who interview great candidates, but are frustrated that they cannot guarantee new teachers more than part time work.
In Canada, the growing number of unemployed teachers is highest in Ontario. Coastal provinces are experiencing similar circumstances, but Ontario’s numbers speak for themselves as nearly 68% of new teachers are not getting full-time work or even related employment.
A survey done by the Ontario College of Teachers provided grim evidence that things do not seem to be looking up for the next several years. If an applicant is able to get on a supply list, they will likely stay in this position for several years. One teacher described her on again off again work as ‘putting her life on hold’. Many frustrated, keen and talented teachers share this view.
The trend for teacher shortages and oversupply has been up and down over the decades. A retirement boom from 1998 – 2008 did not guarantee more jobs because of the number of retired teachers coming back to fill supply positions. There is still a mismatch though between the annual average number of retiring teachers of about 4, 500 compared to the 12,000 new certified teachers entering the job market. This reality has caused many Canadian graduates to look for jobs teaching overseas.
The most important factor for us when helping people find primary teaching jobs in Australia is that they are happy before, during and after their stay. We pride ourselves on giving honest advice and feedback to our teachers even if it isn’t always the best news. The last thing we want is an unhappy teacher half way across the world and we do try our very best to avoid this.
With the surplus of teachers in most parts of Canada, America and even in the UK, primary teachers contact us with the hopes of securing a full-time primary teaching job in Australia.
Things have changed in Australia for Primary Teachers
Primary teachers are no longer in a shortage in Australia, in fact in most parts there is a surplus. This is not good news because it does mean that it is highly unlikely you will get a full-time short-term or long-term contract before you venture over the Australia.
What Can Primary Teachers Rely On?
Australian schools like to see primary teachers in the classroom with the kids, working with the curriculum and this can be done through casual relief/supply work (CRT). After seeing you in the classroom and with some experience under your belt, you will find that contract positions might come up. So April to November is a great time to plan on working as a teacher in Australia.
When to come for Casual Relief Teaching?
We always tell our teachers the same thing…the beginning of the year (aka Feb & March) are very slow since schools have only started the year and the sun is still shining. Once sports have started, professional development for teachers and other meetings, and when the sun is no longer warming everyone up (aka winter), this becomes the busiest time for casual relief teachers (tips for Australian winters). BUT, the end of the year also slows down as schools wind down and the sun starts warming everyone up and the end is near.
How Can You Find Primary Teaching Jobs in Australia?
Keep in mind that your Working Holiday Visa allows you to do as many jobs as you want (as well as the 2nd Working Holiday visa) so many of our primary teachers work as a tutor; work in a daycare; restaurant work etc.
We also recommend primary teachers get additional qualifications or something unique to their resume. Teaching French always helps, being an ICT specialist is an asset, having an intermediate qualification is a definite benefit.
We are sorry that we don’t have better news but we want to be straight up with our teachers and anyone who is thinking about coming to Australia. There is definitely work available during certain parts of the year for primary teachers, and contracts do come up, but you have to be prepared to go to Australia with casual work in mind, be open-minded and obtain unique experiences where you can.
Name: Lia
