Teachers....

[Guest Shmaggle]

Anyone on here teach physics? Wondering about job availability. Also, anyone done the postgraduate certificate in education at Uni of SA to be able to teach there (as GTP not recognised)?

[Guest BenJay]

I did some quick research for my wife who used to teach in a primary school. It seems that it is not hard to have teaching qualifications recognised but it is hard to get a job. Only last week I read an article about young teachers, shortly after graduation, that were encouraged to work at school for free (called here voluntary work) for a year or more to 'gain experience'.

In my opinion, if you want to be a teacher in SA coming from overseas, you have to agree to start from the bottom in a rural area or close to remote mines - somewhere where Australians will be less willing to work. Otherwise you can only hope to become a supporting teacher - a kind of assistant and wait long years.

[Guest cazzie]

Hi Shmaggle,

I took the GTP route (English) and the qualification was not recognised (why oh why not? They should change this asap!). I therefore had to do four months study at UniSA at the cost of ten thousand dollars - I hope it is cheaper for pommies now - to gain the post grad cert ed. I loved it, had a brilliant time and obtained work fairly easily. I started off at Randstadt agency and then touted my CV/TRB/Mandated N/First Aid Cert forms around a few local schools and never looked back. I have always had work either via TRT (supply) or up to a year long contract. Best not to wait for DECD to contact you as it will take an age, so my advice is to gain the qualification and just go around the schools you would like to work at. Good luck!

Cazzie x

PS As my quals were not recognised, I had to go to the bottom of the pay scale and start out as a newbie - very frustrating, but I have to say, the money is pretty good anyway.

Edited April 16, 2012 by cazzie

[Guest lyn]

I've heard pretty much the same story as Cazzie above. I think permanent contracts are few and far between but if you're happy to do relief teaching or short term contracts and get yourselves round the schools then there is work.

 

I'm in the process of getting my qualifications assessed by the TRB here in Adelaide...paperwork submitted and they say should take about 4 weeks to come through (I qualified with a PGCE). Meanwhile i'm booked on the Abuse and Neglect Course, First Aid course plus applying for the ACRO Police check in the UK (didn't need one for OH's visa so didn't get one done whilst in the UK....wish I had!) then I'm all set to register with the TRB and get my CV around the schools. Will also do some voluntary work in my son's school while I'm waiting.

 

I'm reassured that Cazzie's experience backs up the advice I've been given by Adelaide teachers since I've been here.

 

Good luck everyone!

 

Lyn x

[Guest Shmaggle]

Hi folks, thanks for the responses! I think from reading around on the forum that secondary physics is in demand there (just as it is here!), but still general need is to get temporary work and try to impress the school so they rehire you .

 

Cazzie - thanks for the info on the course, it's all gone a tad pear shaped for us as hubby was in line for a post-doc post at Flinders but there's no grant funding, he is doing GTP at mo so isn't recognised as a teacher, so looking like we may have to try to get there with me as a nurse then he can do that course when we are there. Hmm, but as I am looking at a 475 as I don't seem to have enough points for a PR that means...ready for this...almost 20K in fees as an overseas student! (Reaches for smelling salts). He is applying for other jobs in the meantime!!

[Lazy Cow]

I think my friend used the science degree she'd obtained in the UK then added a year at Adelaide Uni to enable her to teach. I have no idea of cost or anything but i do know that she worked as a TRT before gaining a permanent contract.

 

As I understand it, there have been times when my kid's school were pretty desperate for a science teacher so perhaps they are in short supply?

 

I am blown away by the amount of subjects teachers can cover - for example, an (excellent!) English teacher has taken Photography, Tech and Maths, an equally excellent S&E teacher has taken German, and Maths- so I'm guessing that having other strings to your bow can only be advantageous! Physics really only seems to be treated as a separate subject from Year 10/11? as the sciences seem to merge into one subject until then.

 

Don't know if my ramblings are any help but!

 

LC

[Guest Shmaggle]

Hi Lazy cow, your name made me laugh! Thanks for that info, yes, I guess as many strings as possible will be useful. He is specialising in physics/chemistry but also teaches biology (general science really!) and can teach maths too.

[Lazy Cow]

Hi Lazy cow, your name made me laugh!.

 

Hey, if my name made you laugh, you should see my face!

 

It just seemed fitting and less wordy that Laidback Cow

 

Your name is very cute and smile-worthy, btw - and a total mystery to me. Care to share?

 

LC

[Guest Shmaggle]

It's rather boring...years ago (and I mean like 15 years!) I was given shmaggle ad then some numbers as a password at work. It kind of stuck and I have used it for online name ever since! So if you are ever on runners world forums, that shmaggle is me too!

[Lazy Cow]

I can guarantee I will never, ever, ever be found on 'runners world' lol but like the explanation

 

Perhaps I should use the password I am usually given'?

 

Hmmm, 'Apples' just doesn't have the same cool factor as Schmaggle!