Are you looking for the next challenge? Whether you are new to the department or currently working in a metropolitan public school and considering a change, below you will find an overview of the benefits and incentives that may be available with your new position.
To find your next career move in a rural or remote NSW public school sign up to JobFeed.
Sign up for an email alert to be kept up to date with the latest information regarding rural and remote incentives and benefits as it is released.
Rural Teacher Incentive
What is it?
The Rural Teacher Incentive is a financial incentive, between $20,000 to $30,000 gross per annum, to attract and retain permanent and temporary teachers in eligible rural and remote schools.
How do I get it?
At the end of each term, the department will communicate to all teachers who are eligible for the Rural Teacher Incentive and provide information about the incentive payment. No application is necessary.
Temporary teachers require a minimum tenure of a full term of ten consecutive weeks at the eligible school.
Experienced teacher benefit
What is it?
A financial incentive of $10,000 gross per annum for up to five years, to attract and retain experienced permanent and temporary teachers in eligible rural and remote schools.
How do I get it?
If you have held proficient accreditation, or equivalent, for at least six years and you have been appointed to an eligible rural and remote school you may be eligible for the benefit. Temporary teachers require a minimum tenure of a full term or ten consecutive weeks at the eligible school. Sign up to JobFeed to find opportunities.
Retention benefit
What is it?
If you are appointed as a permanent or temporary teacher you may be eligible to receive a $5,000 gross annual payment for up to 10 years while you remain at an eligible rural and remote school. For more information please view the Retention Benefit Procedure.
How do I get it?
After 12 months or more of continuous service, the benefit will be paid by electronic transfer to your bank account. Benefits are paid in June or November each year.
Recruitment bonus
What is it?
The recruitment bonus is a $20,000 gross bonus that is available when a teaching role has been difficult to fill. This payment may be made to a successfully appointed candidate (this may be a temporary or permanent appointment). This is only available when this incentive is specifically noted in the advertisement for a position at eligible rural and remote schools.
How do I get it?
If a recruitment bonus is available it will be included in the advertisement on JobFeed or I work for NSW. Eligible teachers will be notified and receive the payment each quarter for the first year subsequent to your appointment. No application is necessary.
Rental subsidy
What is it?
A subsidy of 50% - 90% paid to teachers working in four-point, six-point and eight-point eligible rural and remote schools, to assist with accommodation in areas with a shortage of private rental accommodation.
How do I get it?
Check JobFeed for advertised teaching and executive positions that are eligible for the subsidy. If you are eligible, complete the Teacher Housing Authority’s (THA) online housing application form on the Property NSW website.
Priority transfer of Connected Communities Executive Principal procedure
What is it?
A priority transfer procedure available to experienced executive principals, at a NSW public school, after five years of engagement.
How do I get it?
Eligible Executive Principals should apply to the Director Educational Leadership responsible for the relevant Connected Communities school. Sign up to JobFeed to find opportunities.
Fast track temporary to permanent
What is it?
Temporary teachers who have been employed at an eligible rural and remote school for a minimum of 1 year may be converted to permanent where a permanent position arises at the same school. For further detail refer to Sections 4.2.6 iv) and v) of the Staffing Procedure for the Teaching Service in NSW Public Schools.
How do I get it?
You may be able to access this option, dependent on a number of factors, including whether this is an appropriate vacancy at the school, and it must occur in accordance with the Staffing Procedure for the Teaching Service in NSW Public Schools. You should discuss this option with your school principal.
Rural Experience Program
What is it?
The Rural Experience Program is designed for permanent teachers to apply for a temporary placement at a rural and remote school for between one and four terms within a calendar year. Teachers are supported with a $500 per week allowance for the duration of their placement. Further information can be found in the Rural Experience Program Guidelines.
How do I get it?
You will need to apply for a placement opportunity when they are advertised. Subscribe to our email alert service to be notified when applications open.