Teaching opportunities?

[Guest alexandgail]

Hi, Me and my wife (alex and gail) are hoping to make the move to Adelaide. I am an experienced Sec Science teacher teacher (Bio/Chem/Sci) of 15 years and Gail a primary teacher with 8 years experience here in Scotland. We both have permanent positions. Our house has just gone on the market today with viewings tomorrow (so a good start). I was wondering about the job situation if/when we arrive? A teacher from Scotland in Adelaide has told me there is lots of work around for Science teachers, and I understand it will be a bit more difficult for Gail in the primary sector. Neither of us expect to walk into a permanent job, it will take time and effort, but given we need to earn a living are the prospects favourable as my new friend in Adelaide suggests or is it as bad as here, where people are fighting over contracts? Thankfully, a half-day at work tomorrow then the long summer holiday to give a lot of time to sort things out. I really want this to work, we both have a lot to offer I believe, but need to see some tangible future. Its not a gap year or two. ;-) Thanks for your time and any useful input. Alex

[coolerking]

Science to year 12 is very helpful and if you could do physics to 11/12, better. I have only heard stories of how hard it is to get a job in primary, but maybe that's changed.

 

All the best,

Cooler

[Guest alexandgail]

Thanks coolerking for your help, it means a lot. Alex

[keldaz]

Hi Alex, not a teacher myself, but my OH is a primary teacher. The main problem with teaching in Adelaide or SA general is the DECS system. Its only for the state schools mind, but you have to register online before you can apply for jobs. When you have registered you can then apply again online, but your application is vetted and the best candidate is chosen by a selection team. So the chosen candidate gets the job and everyone else who applies gets a notice telling you the name of the person who got the job. So no interviews to wow the Head with your skill set. Its a totally stupid system, even Aussie teachers hate it.

I'm no expert, but I would say that you would do well to look at private schools, at least to start, have seen secondary science mentioned quite a lot in job paper since we've been here (10 months). Primary teaching is slightly harder but your wife could sideways step to a child care centre for a while, they have to have qualified teachers in place by a certain date, think it could be July 13, but I'm not sure. There does seem to be a fair few teachers heading over though, we're having regular chats on here with a couple. Good luck.

[Guest lyn]

I gave up on the DECS/DECD system as it was just so complicated and time-consuming to upload everything on to their website just to get started as Keldaz said above. I'm a secondary science teacher but have been teaching in primary and middle schools for the past 14 years in the UK. I've had plenty of primary school TRT (relief work) in both Catholic and Private schools here since I completed my TRB registration a couple of months ago. So thankfully, I haven't had to return to the DECS website yet! Not sure about long term/permanent contracts as I'm not looking for that sort of work at the moment but I'm sure as a secondary science teacher you won't have too much of a problem getting work.

[Guest alexandgail]

Thanks for the advice, folks, its a great help during a time of uncertainty (I'm sure you know know that rollercoaster of emotions?) That said, we've just shown another couple around our house that is for sale, so we must be planning on doing something! The work situation seems to be a 'risk' worth taking.

[Guest maxLIFE]

Hi alexandgail,

 

We're in a similar position. My wife is a PS teacher but we are still in progress with our visa application. Obvious question... have you looked at the jobs for teaching through http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/? Seemed to be quite a bit for PS.

 

Hope it works out for you!

 

maxLIFE

[gramon4]

Hi

 

I am heading over in September 2012 with my wife and 2 kids. I am a primary school teacher with 11 years experience and have been a deputy head for the past three years of a challenging inner city London school. I got State sponsorship to be a primary school teacher - but yet to find a job. I am really keen to be in a permanent position for january 2013 at the latest. I am not sure if I am imparting wisdom or asking for help...

 

We are starting out at Moana in temporary accommodation (holiday rental) and based on what little we know we are keen to stay by the beach in the long term. I have applied (unsuccessfully) for a few jobs via DECS website. I agree with others it is fairly de-moralising experience. Once you have registered, it is fairly straightforward to apply for jobs as it will save your key details and you only need to upload a PDF of your personal statement or if you want to make any changes to your CV. Obviously tailor it to the jobs specs - they are a bit vague though and name check things you are unfamiliar with (be sure we are familiar with the approach or pedagogy but under a different name) I have ignored this whole rating system... it would seem you can apply for any position. I look under the metropolitan section either under teaching or under leadership (excluding principal).

 

I personally have had a pop at both teaching and leadership positions. I intitially tried for vice principal positions (bit of a punt, I know I dont know the system but come-on kids are kids!). I had some good feedback from a headteacher in North Adelaide. Very useful and above and beyond what one would expect. It would seem that they have to provide feedback for anything above teaching. It certainly helped to send an email asking for advice. I am sure heads would give a bit of guidance for teachers too - even if they are not legally obliged to do this. Especially if they know we are unfamiliar with the system.

 

Australia is putting in place their first National Curriculum - parts of it have been mandated and schools are showing some anxiety in getting it up and running. There have therefore been lots of 'coordinator' (equivalent in primary - assistant head???) positions leading in curriculum development. I thought that I might get a look-in on these jobs as I have led in the UK in this area. The UK has had a NC for 24 years therabouts and we get hit with changes every 5 minutes. Why should a SA school chose an unknown - sight unseen - over someone who has experience within SA. I worked very closely in London with a senior leader from Adelaide and she said that it is best to be there and press the flesh and teach as a supply and show what you can do. I am not taking it too personally but I am starting to get worried.

 

I haven't joined the Employable Teaching Register yet and I am applying for positions subject to doing the first aid and safeguarding courses.

 

ANy advice or anyone spotting what I am doing wrong most welcome!

 

Thanks

 

Richard

[Guest Crushfamily]

My Son's teacher @ Seaford Rise got a phone call the week before term started asking her to take a class for a year. (She had worked there in the previous term but a bit short notice!) It would seem that teaching along with everything else here is a bit relaxed compared to the UK.

[gramon4]

Thanks, I am hoping for a bit of luck. I met an old woman on a train up to Newcastle who insisted its a lucky country - so I am sure we will be fine.

 

Richard

[Guest alexandgail]

Hi alexandgail,

 

We're in a similar position. My wife is a PS teacher but we are still in progress with our visa application. Obvious question... have you looked at the jobs for teaching through http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/? Seemed to be quite a bit for PS.

 

Hope it works out for you!

 

maxLIFE

 

 

Hi maxLIFE,

 

Its still pretty early days for us and dont expect to be anywhere near SA until after this school year starting the week after next (Yikes!) Plan out getting as much inservice training as possible this session and be positive. The BIG thing is we hope to have a buyer for our house nest week, that's more stressful than anything just now. Likewise, I hope for all the best for you and I am sure we'll all be where we want to be.

 

Regards,

 

Alex

[Guest roula]

Hi

 

Think it's quite hard to get a permanent job in primary schools even for the locals. Not sure about secondary. Best bet is to do supply(TRT) and get yourself known.I have just registered and have been volunteering at my children's school whilst I was waiting for all the paperwork to be done. I am hoping I will at least get some work at their school! Good luck with it all. roula

[Karen_Jon]

Hi,

 

I'm also a PR teacher and heading over on state sponsoprship in January. My plan is to volunteer at my daughters school and try to get my face known. I think it's often easier when on Australian soil - get your face known, volunteer and then something may come from that. Also you could register with select recruitment agency - I know somebody who got a post from this route. Obviously you will have to do the relevant courses beforehand.

 

Hoe this helps. Karen x

[Karen_Jon]

Should be PS teacher - Ooops!

[Guest ali sethi]

hi guys

my wife is a sec school science / chemistry teacher with 5 years experience. i am planning to come to Adelaide for masters in IT and i have planned that she will do the "teach in Australia" course of 3 weeks @ William Light Institute. i guess that will facilitate in getting jobs. hope it can help u guys too.

[Guest Adelaide_bound]

hi guys

my wife is a sec school science / chemistry teacher with 5 years experience. i am planning to come to Adelaide for masters in IT and i have planned that she will do the "teach in Australia" course of 3 weeks @ William Light Institute. i guess that will facilitate in getting jobs. hope it can help u guys too.

 

What does the wife think about this?

 

From what I've seen and spoken to people about, its not about pieces of paper (which I guess given that this doesn't actually give you any awards/certificates is not an issue here) , especially in Adelaide, its just about who you know and getting your face seen, so if it gives you contacts, its all good But for $10K for 12 weeks hand holding, I'd rather be out doing CRT work, earning the money rather than spending it and getting my face seen. Hope its good value for money for you, however it gets my spider sense all tingly.....

[Guest ali sethi]

u are right mate let me rephrase that. i have suggested my wife to do this 12 week course as i believe it will help in networking and possibly getting a DECENT job offer. but on the other hand i also agree A$ 10K is bit too much

[coolerking]

u are right mate let me rephrase that. i have suggested my wife to do this 12 week course as i believe it will help in networking and possibly getting a DECENT job offer. but on the other hand i also agree A$ 10K is bit too much

 

$10k!!!

 

I'd ask around to see if that's required. I've never heard of it and I cannot believe you'd get good value.

 

I agree with Adelaide_bound and I'd add that your networking would be better spent by visiting schools with your CV and handing it to the person who deals with them - not the front desk, if possible.

 

Maybe someone else will have experience of this course and give their advice.

 

Cooler

[Beanbear]

Hi,

 

I have been teaching in Australia for the last four years and have not heard of this course at all. I wonder what it is that it covers exactly? Specialist teachers who have years of experience in the UK will not find the content here a problem - they are actually only in the early stages of implementing a National Curriculum that is, as yet, nowhere near as rigorous as the UK one. If you believe it will give you an advantage in getting a job, I think you are mistaken. As mentioned by previous posts, the only way to get a long term job (either contract or permanent position) is by going into the private system and either getting lucky on an advertised post (it does happen but not so often) or by working at the school first as a TRT and then applying for contracts or perm. positions that come up.

 

Even an initial contract would be worthwhile as you will then make contacts, which will help down the line. I don't think you can appreciate when you come over from the UK what an insular place Adelaide is and how much of an 'old boys' network' there is here. Many people know each other and this is how many jobs are filled. Having said all that science posts are the ones being filled the least and if you have chemistry and physics you will no doubt find something relatively quickly, particularly if you are prepared to take work in many locations.

 

You have to have TRB status before you can directly apply and be given a job, which means that until you have been over and done the Mandatory Notification course and the 1st aid course you will not be registered and no school can employ you. It is wise to get hold of your Uni transcript (for the teaching component) before coming as they will ask for this and it is not routinely given out in the UK (I had to chase mine from Oz and it was a pain and cost me a job I'd applied for.) They will also only recognise either a BEd course or a PGCE as opposed to other teaching entries (even if they give you QTS in the UK.) Not having these would mean an Aussie make-up course, which is expensive to do.

[Guest ali sethi]

Hi

@ beanbear and cooler comments have surely helped us reconsider . thx people

[Dhanamravi]

Hi,

 

I have been teaching in Australia for the last four years and have not heard of this course at all. I wonder what it is that it covers exactly? Specialist teachers who have years of experience in the UK will not find the content here a problem - they are actually only in the early stages of implementing a National Curriculum that is, as yet, nowhere near as rigorous as the UK one. If you believe it will give you an advantage in getting a job, I think you are mistaken. As mentioned by previous posts, the only way to get a long term job (either contract or permanent position) is by going into the private system and either getting lucky on an advertised post (it does happen but not so often) or by working at the school first as a TRT and then applying for contracts or perm. positions that come up.

 

Even an initial contract would be worthwhile as you will then make contacts, which will help down the line. I don't think you can appreciate when you come over from the UK what an insular place Adelaide is and how much of an 'old boys' network' there is here. Many people know each other and this is how many jobs are filled. Having said all that science posts are the ones being filled the least and if you have chemistry and physics you will no doubt find something relatively quickly, particularly if you are prepared to take work in many locations.

 

You have to have TRB status before you can directly apply and be given a job, which means that until you have been over and done the Mandatory Notification course and the 1st aid course you will not be registered and no school can employ you. It is wise to get hold of your Uni transcript (for the teaching component) before coming as they will ask for this and it is not routinely given out in the UK (I had to chase mine from Oz and it was a pain and cost me a job I'd applied for.) They will also only recognise either a BEd course or a PGCE as opposed to other teaching entries (even if they give you QTS in the UK.) Not having these would mean an Aussie make-up course, which is expensive to do.

 

HI Beenbear

i am a college lecturer from india coming to adelaide in mid November of this year

i have got B.ed degree apart from my masters in English. what prospects do i have for teaching?

got IELTS score of 6.5 in academics. i am coming on 475 visa to southaustralia.

 

 

with hope preparing to land in adelaide.