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South Australian pre-service teachers can experience what it’s like to teach and live in country South Australia, with access to a range of exciting opportunities.
Learn more about tours in country areas, country scholarships and the Teach First in Country program below.
You can also sign up to the pre-service teacher mailing list to stay informed about current and future opportunities.
Country tours are now open. Register your interest by 10 April 2024.
Benefits of teaching in the country
When you teach in regional South Australia you’ll:
- grow your employment prospects
- make an impact on the lives of country students and communities
- get the chance to explore the state and learn more about the region you're teaching in
- have access to a range of country incentives.
Hear from our country teachers and explore teaching opportunities in South Australia’s regions.
Take a country tour
Country tours are back in term 2.
Experience what it’s like to live and work in the country. Tours allow you to experience our regional schools and preschools and their communities. It’s an opportunity to get out to some of our incredible country regions.
Eligibility for country tours
To attend a country tour you must be a final year pre-service teacher ready to teach by January 2025 and studying at one of the following:
- Charles Darwin University
- Flinders University
- Tabor College
- The University of Adelaide
- University of South Australia
You must also hold a current working with children check.
Tours are open to residents of South Australia only at the moment. If you live interstate and are interested in working in country South Australia, email teachincountry@sa.gov.au to let us know.
Country tour dates and regions for term 2 2024
- Yorke Peninsula – 13 to 14 May 2024
- Port Augusta and surrounds –15 to 17 May 2024
- Ceduna and surrounds –20 to 21 May 2024
- Port Pirie and surrounds –23 to 24 May 2024
- Riverland –27 to 29 May 2024
- Mount Gambier –29 to 31 May 2024
- Roxby Downs – 2 to 4 June 2024
- Whyalla – 5 to 6 June 2024
- Coober Pedy – 12 to 14 June 2024
What’s included in a country tour
The tours include:
- visits to local schools who are currently recruiting
- information sessions from site leaders, early career teachers and the local education team
- exploring the local sights
- flights or bus travel to and from the region
- accommodation and food.
How to apply for a tour
Complete an expression of interest to attend a country tour by Wednesday 10 April 2024.
Email the team at teachincountry@sa.gov.au with any questions.
Teach First in Country program
Pre-service teachers in their final year of study can apply for a country teaching position that’s eligible for extra benefits offered by the Teach First in Country program.
Applications for the 2024 Teach First in Country program have now closed.
If you're graduating at the end of 2024, subscribe to the pre-service teacher mailing list for more information about the 2025 program.
Eligibility for the program
You must be a pre-service teacher in your final year of study and eligible for teacher registration to apply.
Benefits of the program
If you’re successful in winning a Teach First in Country position, you’ll receive:
- a country teaching position commencing in January the year after you graduate
- a 'getting started' bonus of $20,000, paid over 2 instalments in your first and second year working in your ongoing role
- in-class support from an experienced teacher during your first 5 weeks of employment
- formal induction and networking events
- professional learning before you start your role
- a dedicated mentor and a week of team teaching in the year before you graduate, before you start at your school or preschool
- connection with the country concierge to help with your housing and relocation
- participation in the department’s graduate onboarding program Start Strong
- the ongoing country incentives that apply to all eligible positions.
For more information, contact us at teachincountry@sa.gov.au.
Country professional experience scholarships
Applications for 2024 country professional experience scholarships have now closed.
Scholarships are for pre-service teachers seeking a professional experience placement in country schools and pre-schools during the final years of their teaching qualification.
What’s included in a scholarship
The scholarship includes financial support such as:
- accommodation during your placement
- travel to and from your placement site – this may be subsidised if you're driving
- living expenses while you’re on placement
- in some cases, financial support for your housing expenses back home.
It also includes:
- induction to the local community and site
- networking opportunities with other participants
- the opportunity to build a strong connection with the department.
Sign up to the pre-service teacher mailing list
Stay updated on opportunities that will support your teaching studies.
Sign up to our pre-service teacher mailing list and be the first to know about events, webinars, placement and employment information from the department.
