Teaching in the country

Teaching in the country, in a rural or remote school, offers great opportunities for both experienced and graduate teachers. It can provide a very rewarding lifestyle particularly if you choose to become involved in the wider local community.You will not only be making a positive contribution to the lives of young people, but also have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Many teachers say their careers have progressed much faster as a result of working in the country.

Watch this video to find out what teachers think about teaching in the country.

  There are more than 300 rural schools located throughout WA, these are schools located more than 35 kilometres outside the Perth metropolitan area. Cities such as Albany, Geraldton or Kalgoorlie have a number of primary and secondary schools, while smaller towns like York, Kununurra and Kalbarri have a district high school catering for students from Kindergarten to Year 12. 

Find locations of rural and remote   schools on our interactive map.

Approximately 120 of these rural schools are in smaller communities and are part of the Country Teaching Program.

Public schools can also be found in more isolated areas and are categorised as ‘remote’. There are more than 40 remote schools covered by the Remote Teaching Service. These schools are located in isolated communities with predominantly Aboriginal populations. Unless a specific request is made by an applicant, graduate teachers are not appointed to a remote school.

In certain situations of geographic isolation where students are unable to attend a conventional school, teaching is delivered by distance learning through Schools of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE).

Teachers seeking an opportunity to work in and contribute to a variety of rural and remote communities may consider applying to join the Teacher Flying Squad.