Teaching in Rural & Remote Communities

Living and teaching in rural & remote communities offers unique experiences. With our culturally diverse population and some of Australia’s best-known landscapes, these communities are truly special places.

Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese has 18 primary schools in both rural and remote communities. Teaching and living in rural NSW offers all the comforts of modern Australian living, without the usual hustle and bustle of city life.

If you have an interest in understanding and learning about Aboriginal culture, and enjoy a challenge and an adventure, then life in rural and remote communities can offer very rewarding experiences. Teaching in a remote community can be a career and personal opportunity like no other. As a teacher, you will become an integral part of a close community and will be responsible for equipping children with the skills they need for successful futures.

You will engage with students and families whose everyday life may differ greatly from your own. As a teacher, the need for flexibility and creativity is enhanced as you are challenged by students with different backgrounds and cultures. The way you interact with and talk to your students will demand more effective teaching tools and methods.

A typical remote school is smaller than an urban school, enabling you to develop deeper relationships with colleagues, students and families. This experience may also provide you with the opportunity to learn another language and gain further knowledge of the culture and customs of the community in which you live.

As a member of a smaller staff group you will be involved in whole school planning and decision making, participate in school based leadership roles, share personal interests and talents in specialist programs as well as teach a variety of subject areas.

Experience is knowledge when working in a remote community, so look to the local assistant teachers who are skilled and knowledgeable for help on ways to manage classrooms.

Living and working in a remote community is all about relationships and communication. As a teacher in these communities you have the opportunity to impact on the lives of students in an obvious and long-lasting way. Your achievement can ultimately make a really positive contribution in the community.

It is important to keep in mind that in a remote community there may be different meanings behind non-verbal communication. Body language can be quite different to what you may be accustomed and there may be some gestures that have a significantly different meaning from what you currently understand. As a teacher living in a remote community, you may also have to adjust your own perceptions of the right behaviour in different situations.

Every community is different. It is important to find out some of the history of the community, its members, and information on the school. Word of mouth is a very powerful means of communication, so if you establish yourself as someone who is trustworthy, respectful and listens, the community will be open to working with you.

A number of our very remote schools have a large proportion of  Aboriginal students, and are distinct from others in terms of cultural, social, climatic and recreational environments.

We invite you to join our rural and remote school communities, to experience the difference and make a difference!

Current vacancies are listed on this website. Applications are made directly to the school/office by the closing date specified. The recruitment and selection of staff is typically conducted at the school.

A range of incentives apply that may include:

  • Relocation expenses
  • Possible employment for spouses
  • Accommodation assistance