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. You will be able to meet, work with and be supported by dedicated staff with experience of 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 2009. 

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 2009
• have a course average of 60 per cent or better
• have successfully completed all teaching practicums to date
• have a genuine interest in teaching in a public school after you graduate
• ensure your application is signed by your practicum coordinator.

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 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 a 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 districts are included in the RTP.

• Albany
• Bunbury
• Esperance
• Goldfields
• Kimberley
• Midlands
• Mid West
• Narrogin
• Pilbara
• Warren-Blackwood

There are also a few country schools in the Fremantle-Peel and West Coast districts.

• 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 cover 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 district where you complete your practicum.

You will receive:

• $240 a week* in the Goldfields, Kimberley and Pilbara districts
• $180 a week* in the Mid West district
• $120 a week* in the Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Midlands, Narrogin, Warren-Blackwood districts, along with listed country schools in the Fremantle-Peel and West Coast districts.

*Figures are correct at February 2009 and are subject to change.

How do I arrange accommodation?

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

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 you are accepted onto the program 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.

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.

If you experience difficulties contact the RTP coordinator for help. 

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 2009 RTP you do not need to reapply.

Personal stories

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

Contact us

Applications/enquiries