Pre-school/primary teacher/any job - PANIC (and a billion swirling Q's!!)

[Guest DizzyD]

Hi all,

 

This is my first ever forum post.. and to be honest i'm not quite sure where to start!!! (except to say how FANTASTIC this site is in terms of research.. and how great it is to read real life stories.. Thanks!! Brilliant!!)

 

We are a family of four, myself (35 and totally nesh!!) my hubby (40 and the main visa applicant.. who doesn't actually want to move anywhere!!!), Our son (almost 18.. and desperate to move anywhere!!) and our daughter (just turned 3.. and gorgeous!!).

 

We are currently at the 'can't breath.. could hear any day now' stage of the AITSL skills assessment (which has been a total nightmare and taken forever chasing paperwork!!) and crossing all our fingers and toes we get the go ahead from this to continue on to applying for SS and then HOPEFULLY main visa etc to EVENTUALLY get the golden tickets for a life changing BIG move down under... BUT.. as always.. there are problems!!

 

My husband and I both teach (we each have over 15yrs experience - Primary/Foundation Phase, currently working as advisory teachers for the LA). We have good CV's in terms of experience and additional specialisms etc and i feel we have a lot to offer a wide range of settings (as well as an extrodinarily huge amount to learn!!!) However, although my husband did the 4yr Bachelor of Education Degree and so hopefully will be ok to register etc, my degree was a THREE year Bachelor of Arts (HONS) degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status!!! This qualifies me in this country to teach Primary 3-11yrs but as i understand it a 3yr degree means i am not actually qualified to teach in Oz at all!!!! (GUTTED.. i LOVE LOVE LOVE my job!!!) I would love to do the one yr top-up course when we get out there.. but i don't know if finances will stretch to this straight away!!

 

We can work on the rest of the dream over time.. as long as we have JOBS!!!!

 

Sooooooo.. my questions (finally.. i know.. sorry!!!)

 

Realistically..

What types of jobs could i be looking to apply for? .. and availability/competition/wages??

Do private schools stick to the strict registration/4yr degree rule?

What about daycare/family centres? How high/low on the ladder will i likely need to start!! How would this be reflected in the hours worked/pay packet?!?

What about child minding from home? Is this a popular choice of parents in SA?!

How many teachers out there (if any) managed to secure jobs before you landed? (my husband would be much happier knowing work possibilities exist!).

Will we be able to secure rentals if its only my OH working supply days?!

Also, out of interest, how do the philosophies of Early Education compare to the UK? Is the system more/less formal? (Reading the curriculum is not the same as seeing it delivered in action!) If the visa's come through ok we are hoping to have our first ever visit to Oz in April 2013 to activate/validate so we can check it all out properly.. but until then.. all/any advice is most definitly welcome!! I'm happy to do anything really.. so all suggestions welcome!!

 

Thanks for taking the time to read/reply (sorry i've waffled a bit!!)

 

Diolch MAWR

DizzyD

[Leeds1877]

Hi

 

My husband is a Primary School Teacher and there are a few on here.

 

You are correct that it needs to be a four year course to teach in SA/oz.

The work side of things is unknown to us at present as we don't arrive till end of march and it's been a constant worry for my OH as he is due to hand his notice in at school where he is Head of years 3-6 in a few weeks.

 

perm do come up but from research teachers often do supply, if the school like you then you may get a short term contract which could get extended etc.

We have booked a two week CBD apartment for when we arrive and plan to rent a house. My hubby plans to take our twO kids to look at schools and discuss job situation with theirs initially.

 

It is a big gamble- we have savings to fall back on to cover us initially. Why not plan to go July and then at least you will both be paid till end of August.

 

This whole experience and decision will be a huge adventure and we can't wait- having never been unemployed I'm sure we will find something.

 

Good luck- it's the first time that we have done anything out of the norm and moving to oz has been a hard decision. We moved out of our home into my parents two weeks ago with just our suitcases...it was actually liberating!

[Guest DizzyD]

Hiya,

 

Thank you so much for your reply.. its really useful info.. and great reasurance that i'm not totally mad (or at least i'm not the ONLY mad person!!) planning to up sticks.. and risk it all!! But somehow.. despite all concerns.. i just know in my heart its the best way to go!!! So I'm kind of closing my eyes a bit.. and am just gonna jump!!

 

Great idea about going in July.. i had thought it would be a good time to go (depending on visa/house sale etc!) simply because we would both have finished work.. but I hadn't thought about the extra wages bit.. fantastic!! (How cold will it be in July!?!?) I know what you mean about it being a great adventure.. !! (Although still not getting hopes too high as the visa's still in process!!!!!)

 

I honestly can't quite imagine how you felt getting the for sale sign put up!!! and then actually signing the contract.. OMG.. its all so real for you now! So exciting! If all goes to plan we are hoping to be flying out over Easter hols 2013 to validate.. so we may see ya about!! :-) Fingers crossed all goes well for you! X

[TomJonesDad]

Dizzy D - Croeso!

 

No you're not mad, we are upping sticks and moving in Feb. We have good, secure jobs here in the UK, have never been out of work and yes there is a huge risk moving. However, for us the benefits outweigh those risks. We do have savings to fall back on for a while, and family in Oz to lend some support but plan to keep an open mind and initially do anything just to start working. It's all about being positive and being prepared to live outside of your comfort zone for a while. Good luck with the application process and I hope you get the visa.

[Guest DizzyD]

Diolch TomJonesDad!!

 

I know your right.. its so scary but with MASSIVE gains.. i think it's worth a grey hair or two!!

 

It sounds like your barod y fynd!! Good luck with your move.. only half a Welsh winter left for you guys.. how lucky lucky lucky you really are!!! :-)

 

Will look out for ya in the pub on Rugby day's!!!

[OKMorris]

hiya

 

I know we are in completely different fields (hubbys a chef and im a travel agent) but we have been here 2 weeks and i can tell you it is totally worth it - remember you have not much to do once you get here so all of your focus is on finding a job and life is not pulling you lots of different ways so it makes such a difference - we both have found jobs within a fortnight of being here - mine i had organised the interview before i left the UK and hubby was a case of getting the local Advertiser paper on a Saturday and ringing all the jobs in his field.

 

We left secure jobs in the UK so we were in panic mode too but once you have a job offer things then slot into place with regards to rental properties etc - we had an apartment in the city for 1 month and that gave us time to find work, buy a car and generally sort ourselves out.

 

good luck with the visa process

[Guest AngPhil]

Hi,

 

We have been here since the beginning of August. I was a secondary maths AST in the UK, I hadn't done a 4 year degree but managed to swing it as I had done a HND before my degree. I was just wondering if you have a 3 year degree could you do a post-grad certificate and therefore qualify for the 4 year uni rule? I am doing my Masters with the OU in the UK. I did my first module in 9 months while working full time in the UK, which I could have cashed in for a post-grad certificate. I didn't tell work about Auz so they paid too! Just a thought???

 

It is a bit strange when you get here an learn how to treat snake bites as part of the 1st aid course needed to register as a teacher.

 

Ang

[snifter]

From what I understand the curriculum is changing and there is a national one being rolled out which has or will replace the state ones. So changes are going to be seen and how things are now is maybe not how they will be in the future. I was talking with someone in recent weeks who is in teaching and they expressed concern as to how the new curriculum will affect how and what they teach.

 

Anyways, other than that, good luck with everything. I really hope it works out for you all and look forward to hearing how it all goes.

 

 

[Guest lyn]

Hi DizzyD,

 

Welcome to the forum and the start of your adventure to move to Aus!

 

We've been here in Adelaide for 6 months now and we are loving it! We moved out here with my hubby's job (not a teacher!) but I am a school teacher and so once I got out here, I started the long process of registering to teach with the TRB. So I can answer some (but not all!) of your questions.

 

Yes, you need to register with the TRB for whichever school you teach in...private, state or Catholic. The private schools do not bend the rules...you must be registered with the TRB to teach otherwise you (and the schools) will be in lots of hot water!

 

As far as securing a teaching job before you get here, well you need to be TRB registered before you can apply for a job. The first stage is getting your qualifications assessed by the TRB which you can do whilst still in the UK (it takes several weeks once they receive your paperwork) but after that, you will need to complete the child abuse course (mandatory notification course...see the TRB website for recognised courses) which can only be done once you're in South Australia. I would recommend your husband signs up to do this course when you come out to activate your visa and then he will be able to complete the teacher registration and start to look for jobs.

 

As you say, many teachers start by doing supply which gets your foot in several doors and allows you to get some Aussie experience. This is what I did and this lead to a short-term contract in one of those schools.

 

Good luck with the process and feel free to ask if you think there might be anything I can help with. This site and the lovely people on it helped me loads!

 

Lyn x

[Guest DizzyD]

Thanks for that OKMorris, it really is great to hear from people actually living it!!

 

I am sure things will work out fine for us.. i just have to keep my eye on the prize and take it a step at a time!!

 

Good luck with your new jobs.. enjoy the sunshine!!! :-) x

[Guest DizzyD]

Cheers Lyn,

 

What a lovely welcome!

 

Thanks to your good self (and all the other lovely people who have taken the time to reply!) It is starting to make a little more sense!! I had stumbled across the TRB website but hadn't had chance to read/unravel how it all worked.. so Thanks!!

 

I am actually an Ealry Years/Foundation Phase specialist so i am hoping there will be a space for me somewhere in the child-care sector/system.. at least until i am able to 'top-up' my degree. Do you have any idea what the job situation is like with pre-schoolers!? Also, how are you finding the job in Oz? Is it much different?!

 

Thanks again for your in-sight.. it really is great of you to help!!!!

[Guest DizzyD]

Wow Ang.. i had no idea an OU could be done in such a great time-scale - well done you!!!!! :-)) It's well worth throwing into the melting pot!! Half of me wants to do it while life is familiar here before we go and then i'm covered.. but the other half of me wants to wait and use it as an excuse to absorb the lingo/curriculum etc (decisions/decisions eh!!) !?!?

 

 

Snifter - it's good to hear everyone will be dealing with new documents - we have had a few major curriculum changes here over recent years and so i'l feel right at home!! :-)

[Guest AngPhil]

From what I have been told the national curriculum is really new here. After the changes each year in the UK, we'll fit in with no problem. There are 100's of preschool jobs advertised in the OHSC, so you will definately get something.

 

Good luck.

[Guest Allybinoz42]

Very quick post but competition for primary is very fierce. This is a good website that gives realisitic rundown

http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/LMI/SkillShortages/Pages/OccupationalReports_Educationprofessionals.aspxion

 

You are not qualified for childcare or preschool without Early Childhood training. You need to do additional studies for a teacher position this means quite a large amount of study. For lower childcare positions you can go to TAFE college and gain an easier qualification that takes a lot less effort, I am not an expert on these.

 

Goverment jobs have all been allocated for next year now, as recruitment season is term 3. Catholic and independents maybe still recruiting job by job.

 

I trained here and have a number of years experience but still cannot gain a permanent position. If you are willing to do supply and get your name out there I am sure you will find something on a contract and then maybe down the road permanency. ALSO going to country areas in SA are a good way to get a job as lots of people are unable or unwiling to do this.

 

Family Daycare is a way of using your skills and if you google this may be a good way of earning. Try the DECS site (department of education and children's services).

Philosphies of early years are very influenced by play based learning and the thinking of Fraser Mustard and Reggio Emilia.

[Guest Allybinoz42]

This is also a good site for those particulary interested in Early Years Education, so much has changed here in the last two years in regard to EY.

http://acecqa.gov.au/qualifications/

I am primary trained and to teach in a preschool I would have to do a Masters of Teaching which would take 2 years and about $10000. Check whether you would have to pay international fees at uni/TAFE as well. Other states have better courses. Basically they are bringing in new regs and new quality standards this has meant that everyone who is in the preschool/childcare sector has to be trained to meet these new higher standards. There are actually more opportunities for jobs in Victoria check the Vic Govt Education website. Have a good look at the DEWR reports they really break it down state by state

 

Working in this sector is less well paid then primary/secondary jobs, unfortunately.

[Guest DizzyD]

This is also a good site for those particulary interested in Early Years Education, so much has changed here in the last two years in regard to EY.

http://acecqa.gov.au/qualifications/

I am primary trained and to teach in a preschool I would have to do a Masters of Teaching which would take 2 years and about $10000. Check whether you would have to pay international fees at uni/TAFE as well. Other states have better courses. Basically they are bringing in new regs and new quality standards this has meant that everyone who is in the preschool/childcare sector has to be trained to meet these new higher standards. There are actually more opportunities for jobs in Victoria check the Vic Govt Education website. Have a good look at the DEWR reports they really break it down state by state

 

Working in this sector is less well paid then primary/secondary jobs, unfortunately.

 

 

 

Thanks guys..

 

Scary.. but it really is the dream for me so well worth the slog!!

Please keep all the info coming peeps.. good and bad..

the more info we can gather the better we can prepare ourselves!!!

 

Cheers all x

 

DizzyD x

[Guest Allybinoz42]

I am absolutely sure that if you are willing to get in there and give it a go you will find something. The regs are just very frustrating sometimes! What is the dream out of interest?

[Guest DizzyD]

Thanks Allybinoz.. we ARE willing to get stuck in.. and really excited to adapt to a brand new life!!

 

The dream.. is simply a WARMER family life.. walking/cycling/playing in the garden after work.. weekends exploring!! (a sunnier future for all the family!!) The winters here are just way to long and infringe on life too much!!!! :-(

 

Thanks for your positivity.. you've got to be in it to win it eh!!?

 

:-))