Introduction

The Rural Teaching Program supports final year student teachers participation in rural practicums in Western Australian public schools.

      

If you are a student teacher in your final year of study, the Rural Teaching Program can offer you a great opportunity to undertake your practicum in a rural (country) school or a remote school. The Program provides successful applicants with a stipend to assist with travel and living expenses whilst residing in a rural location.

During your rural practicum you will be able to meet, work with and be supported by dedicated staff with teaching experience in country schools. You will be encouraged to be actively involved in the local community so that you can fully experience life in a rural area.

Applications are now open for opportunites to participate in the 2013 Rural Teaching Program. 

Can I apply for a Rural Teaching Program stipend?

     

To be eligible to participate in the Rural Teaching Program you need to:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen
• be currently enrolled in a course leading to a graduate level teaching qualification by the end of 2013
• have a course average of 60 per cent or more
• have successfully completed all teaching practicums to date
• have a genuine interest in teaching in a Western Australian public school after you graduate
• not previously received a stipend from the Rural Teaching Program

Priority will be given to those studying towards a:

• secondary teaching qualification in one of the following subject areas of need:
  • mathematics (major)
  • science (physics and chemistry majors)
  • design and technology (woodwork, metalwork and automotive)
  • special needs (education support) or
• school psychologists

Other teaching areas considered:

• secondary teaching qualification in subject areas other than priority areas
• primary
• early childhood

Is my practicum situated in a region eligible for a Rural Teaching Program stipend?

Eligible regions for Rural Teaching Program stipend will be:

Goldfields Kimberley Midwest Pilbara

For more information on individual Western Australian public schools visit Schools Online.

Will my practicum meet the Rural Teaching Program criteria requirements?

To be eligible for the stipend your student teacher practicum must be:

the longest practicum in your final year of study in a block of full weeks for a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of 10 weeks (the practicum can last for longer than this but the maximum period for funding is 10 weeks) not undertaken at a school in a town where you currently live (or have previously lived or have family connections), or be within an 80km radius of that town.

If you are unsure if your practicum or selected school is eligible please check with the Department’s Rural Teaching Program coordinator.

How much will I receive towards my travel and living expenses?

To support you during your school practicum, you will be provided a stipend to assist with your travel and living expenses.

Travel allowance
The amount you will receive for your return journey is based on the Department’s standard allowances for using the most cost effective method of travel. It is therefore advisable that you make reservations in advance for air or train travel to minimise the costs for late bookings and to take advantage of any advertised fare specials. You are encouraged to contact the Rural Teaching Program coordinator if you wish to know the precise travel allowance for each location.

Living subsidy
The living subsidy you will receive depends on the region where you complete your practicum.

The current rates are:

• $265 a week in any Remote Teaching Service school
• $265 a week in the Goldfields, Kimberley and Pilbara regions
• $200 a week in the Midwest region.

How is accommodation arranged?

Accommodation is difficult to find in some regional areas.

If you have access to accommodation it may assist with your placement.

The Rural and Remote Training Schools Project team liaise with school principals to ascertain the availability of accommodation before making placements.

Placement in the Rural Teaching Program is dependent on either yourself or the school being able to find suitable accommodation.

How can I apply?

      

1. Liaise with your university practicum coordinator to organise a rural or remote placement.
2. Once your placement has been confirmed complete the application form and forward to the Rural Teaching Program coordinator no later than six weeks before your practicum is due to start.
3. You will be notified of the outcome of your application within two weeks of your application being received.
4. If your application is successful you can expect payment of the travel and living subsidy into your nominated bank account approximately two weeks before the start of your practicum.
5. As part of enrolling in this program you will be expected to complete a feedback survey at the end of your practicum.
6. Ensure your application is signed by your practicum coordinator.

For further information contact the Rural Teaching Program coordinator. 

What happens if I need to withdraw from the program?

You are expected to successfully complete the practicum. If your circumstances change and you are unable to complete the teaching practice as stated in your application, please contact the Rural Teaching Program coordinator as soon as possible. You will be required to return the funds if your Rural Teaching Program practicum does not proceed or you complete your practicum in a metropolitan or private school. A pro-rata amount will be calculated if the practicum is terminated early. This will be considered on an individual basis, at the discretion of the Department.

Important information

• Not all applications to the Rural Teaching Program will be successful, the Department has a discretionary right to award or refuse an application.
• Participation in the Program does not guarantee future employment in a Western Australian public school.
• If you have already submitted a Rural Teaching Program application form for 2013 you do not need to reapply.
• The Rural Teaching Program stipend is available only once to each eligible student teacher.

Personal stories

Doing your practicum in the country is a great way to experience a new lifestyle while developing your teaching skills.

Cara-Leigh Christie, an early childhood student, undertook a ten week practicum (as part of the Rural Teaching Program) at Wangkatjunka Remote Community School and began her teaching career at Looma Remote Community School.

Discover how Cara-Leigh’s experiences have changed her life.

Lauren Osborne, while at Murdoch University, completed her final practicum at Marble Bar Primary School.  She completed a temporary teaching position at Sandstone Remote Community School and then accepted a permanent teaching role at Marble Bar Primary School.

Discover more about Lauren's journey.

Cleome Tyler and Izelle Joubert, students at Edith Cowan University, completed their final assistant teacher program at Yandeyarra Remote Community School with the support of the Department of Education's Remote Teaching Service Support Team.

Discover their remote teaching adventure.

Contact us

Applications/enquiries

A:	Rural Teaching Program Coordinator
	School Staffing Services
	Department of Education
	151 Royal Street
	EAST PERTH WA 6004
T:	08 9264 4497
F:	08 9264 4571
E:	ruralteachingprogram@education.wa.edu.au