Many of us remember a special teacher who had an impact on our lives, and perhaps even shaped the person we would become.
However teachers are in short supply across the state, especially in regional, rural and remote areas of Queensland, and we need more people using their passion and skills to educate our Queensland kids.
Not only are The University of Queensland's dynamic educators the most awarded teachers in the nation, providing education students with extensive classroom experience in some of the best schools in Queensland, but we also offer rural placements – a once in a lifetime opportunity for an aspiring teacher.
Placements in regional, rural and remote areas ensure high quality education is provided to the 17% of students that account for over one third of all Queensland government schools*.
These schools may experience a myriad of complex challenges due to their location – including accessibility, extreme weather, constrained curriculum and wellbeing offerings, but despite these challenges, the experience for both the student on placement and the school and community they become a part of is life-changing and helps shape the teacher they wish to become.
For one UQ Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduate Tara James, a rural placement hadn’t even crossed her mind until her third year of study when she was ready for a new adventure and as luck had it, financial assistance saw her heading off to Emerald State School.
“Perhaps the most unforgettable part of my rural placement was feeling that I could truly make a difference in students’ lives,” Tara said.
“Dedicated teachers are needed everywhere, especially in light of the current teacher shortage, but they’re particularly needed in rural settings, ensuring all students have access to quality education.
“Having the opportunity to teach students from rural, diverse and low socio-economic backgrounds and helping them feel valued, confident and inspiring them to dream big is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.”
As it turned out, Tara enjoyed the slower paced lifestyle that rural towns offer and after completing another prac placement in her final year at Moranbah East State School, she now teaches there full-time.
Like Tara, a lot of UQ students end up with jobs in their final placement school due to the valuable connections they made.
Take Katelyn Redinger for example, who has been teaching in Roma for 3 years and is proud to now call it home.
“Teaching in Roma has been so refreshing; the relationships that you are able to build with students, families, and the wider community has allowed me to appreciate teaching in a small town,” she said.
“The sense of support and community you feel in a town like Roma is second to none.”
Having the opportunity to go on a rural placement during her studies opened these doors for Katelyn after graduation.
“Doing a rural teaching placement is one of the best, most fulfilling and impactful experiences I have ever had.
“I would highly recommend a rural placement to all students looking to continue on their teaching journey.”
Deputy Principal at Kelvin Grove State College, Linda Eager runs the Teacher Enhancement Centre which provides rural placement opportunities to teacher education students.
Ms Eager said the plight of staff shortage and equitable access to high potential staff in rural, regional and remote state schools across Queensland remains a challenge.
“The primary aim of the Teacher Enhancement Centre is to raise awareness about opportunities in rural, regional and remote communities across Queensland, negate myths associated with teaching in these locations and transition high potential future teachers from their tertiary studies into employment in rural, regional and remote state schools,” Ms Eager said.
“When hosting preservice teachers, schools and their broader communities benefit by embracing a future local educator who may become an integral part of developing and further uplifting the community and its local priorities.
“Welcoming pre-service teachers into the community also promotes schools and towns to peers who may not have experienced rural placement through sharing lived experiences.”
Pre-service teachers on rural placements gain access to a diversity of communities, demographics and contexts which enhances their practice and capabilities.
Ms Eager said beginning teachers are now choosing to stay longer in rural, regional and remote schools across Queensland.
“Some choose to stay due to career opportunities and personal fulfillment, and others are choosing to move elsewhere, but not necessarily back to southeast Queensland.”
UQ’s Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) programs have a strong emphasis on practical experience and getting students into classrooms. Upon graduation, they are well-equipped for the challenges of working in schools and will also have the confidence needed to lead in the classroom.
The School of Education organises student placements, taking the stress out of having to source their own, including the opportunity to experience a rural or regional placement – normally in their third or final year.
Rural and regional placements are incredibly rewarding and can be undertaken across Queensland allowing our students to seize the opportunity to escape the city and experience diverse communities, enabling access to high-quality education to students across the state.
For more information on rural and remote teaching placements please contact UQ’s School of Education: education@uq.edu.au
*Queensland Government submission
