Introduction

If you are a student teacher in your final year of study, the Rural Teaching Program (RTP) can offer you a great opportunity to undertake your final practicum in a country (rural) school including a remote school. You will be able to meet, work with and be supported by dedicated staff with experience teaching in the country. The program provides you with a financial subsidy to assist with living expenses whilst residing in your chosen rural town. You are encouraged to become actively involved in the local community so that you can fully experience life in a rural area.

Applications are now open for opportunities to participate in this program during 2011. 

Who can apply?

To participate in the 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 this year or next year
• 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 public school after you graduate.

Will my practicum be eligible?

Your practicum must be:

• the longest practicum in your final year
• 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)
• undertaken at a rural public school; ‘rural’ is defined as any town that is a minimum of 80km from Perth CBD
• 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 RTP coordinator.

Which schools are included in the program?

Schools in these regions are included in the RTP.

• Goldfields
• Kimberley
• Midwest
• Pilbara
• Southwest
• Wheatbelt

There are also a few country schools in the North Metropolitan and South Metropolitan regions.

• Carcoola Primary School
• Dwellingup Primary School
• North Dandalup Primary School
• Pinjarra Primary School
• Pinjarra Senior High School
• Waroona District High School
• Bindoon Primary School
• Gingin District High School
• Lancelin Primary School

To find out more about individual schools visit Schools Online.

How much financial support will I receive?

To support you during the program, you will be provided with financial support to assist with 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 RTP 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.

You will receive up to:

• $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
• $135 a week in the Wheatbelt and Southwest regions, along with listed country schools in the North Metropolitan and South Metropolitan regions.

How do I arrange accommodation?

Your practicum coordinator will be able to assist you with information and contacts to organise accommodation near your school.

Remote schools
The local council office may be able to assist in sourcing remote schools and suitable accommodation for your practicum.

If you are still unable to find suitable accommodation, contact the RTP coordinator.

How to apply

1. Liaise with your university practicum coordinator to organise a rural placement.
2. Once your placement has been confirmed complete an application form and forward to the RTP 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.

Don’t forget that it is your responsibility to organise your practicum placement and accommodation, with the assistance of your university practicum coordinator. The Department cannot make these arrangements for you.

For further information contact the RTP 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 RTP application, please contact the RTP coordinator as soon as possible. You will be required to return the funds if your RTP practicum does not proceed or you complete your practicum in a metropolitan or private school. A pro-rata amount may 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 RTP 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 public school.
• If you have already submitted an application form for the 2011 RTP you do not need to reapply.

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 teachng adventure.

Contact us

Applications/enquiries

A:	Rural Teaching Program Coordinator
	Workforce Policy and Coordination
	Department of Education
	151 Royal Street
	EAST PERTH WA 6004
T:	08 9264 5774
F:	08 9264 4571
E:	ruralteachingprogram@det.wa.edu.au

 Enquiries about remote school practicums only:  Remote Teaching Service