Media Release
Teaching in the Territory… the land of opportunities
Thursday 17 November 2005
For teachers yearning for travel, adventure and life experience, there has never been a better time to consider applying for a position in the Northern Territory. The NT Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) has launched the 2006 teacher recruitment marketing campaign that highlights the unique professional and personal opportunities for teachers taking on a position in Northern Territory government schools.
General Manager of People & Learning Division Sue Murphy said: “Opportunities abound for teachers keen to expand their horizons and further develop themselves – both professionally and personally.”
“The campaign follows the theme and feel of last year’s successful ‘Teaching in the Territory’ campaign and targets local, interstate and international markets, with press advertisements and a website, along with promotional DVD, fliers and display banners for career fairs and lecture tours to various universities.”
“One of the most appealing incentives for many teachers is our ‘Teach for a Term’ offer, which presents eligible interstate or international teachers with the offer of free return airfares if they are successful in their application to work in specifically identified positions – mostly in remote areas or for specialist positions.”
“The offer allows teachers to consider whether they want to teach in the NT permanently, by giving them a snapshot of the unique teaching experience that the Territory affords,” she said. Ms Murphy explained that it is a trial period, and a minimum of one term (minimum two terms for overseas recruits) but can be extended.
For teachers that decide to settle and stay longer, DEET will assist with relocation expenses. Teachers in remote areas have access to rental rebates, freight free perishables and access to study leave and other incentives.
“Like our students, our school staff are very well resourced, with every teacher allocated a lap-top and access to a wide range of professional learning programs. The experience teachers gain in working here equips them with many skills to work abroad. With such a multicultural mix of students, our schools provide the ideal training ground for gaining English as a Second Language (ESL) experience.”
“Relief teaching positions are also a great opportunity for retired or travelling teachers who find themselves in the NT for a limited time”, said Ms Murphy. “Experienced teachers are always welcome and relief teaching opportunities are available Territory wide.”
For further information, interested teachers are encouraged to call the teacher recruitment hotline on 1800 646 391 or visit www.teaching.nt.gov.au. The website includes testimonials from teachers around the Territory who have told their stories and outlined the challenges and rewards of their work. It gives prospective applicants information on culture, environment and lifestyle in the NT, and lists current individual vacancies. Prospective teachers can complete the online application to register their interest in either current or future vacancies.
“Research commissioned by the NT Government shows that, for the right people, the Territory provides a unique lifestyle and working environment, the reward of contributing to better educational outcomes for Indigenous children, and opportunities for accelerated career advancement”, says Ms Murphy. “For others, it may simply be a fabulous working travel adventure.”