Eligible student teachers and school psychologists can apply for a financially supported practicum for travel and living expenses while working in our rural, regional and remote schools.
To be eligible for the Program you need to:
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen
- be residing in Western Australia
- be currently enrolled in a course leading to a graduate level teaching qualification, or approved post graduate psychology qualification
- have a course average of 60 per cent or more
- have completed all practicums to date (final year of study)
- undertake your practicum in one of five eligible education regions - Goldfields, Kimberley, Midwest, Pilbara or the Wheatbelt
- have a genuine interest in teaching in a WA public country school after you graduate
- or have a genuine interest in seeking a country appointment with the Department of Education's School Psychology Service.
Where application numbers exceed places available, priority will be given to those studying towards a teaching qualification in one of the following learning areas of need:
- mathematics (major)
- science (including physics and chemistry majors)
- design and technology (woodwork, metalwork and automotive).
Learning areas of need are reviewed annually to ensure the program meets the priority needs of the Department.
Practicum criteria
To be eligible for the Program the practicum must:
- be the longest practicum in your final year of study.
- be for a minimum of four full weeks and a maximum of 10 full weeks (the practicum can be longer but the maximum period of funding is 10 weeks).
- generally not be undertaken at a school in a town where you live or be within an 80km radius of that town.
Participation in the program does not guarantee future employment in a WA public school. If you are unsure if your practicum or selected school is eligible please check with the Program coordinator. For more information on our schools visit Schools Online.
Travel and living expenses
The amount you receive for your return journey is based on our standard allowances for using the most cost effective method of travel. You are advised to reserve in advance air or train travel to minimise costs for late bookings, and to take advantage of fare specials. You are encouraged to contact the Program coordinator to find out the exact travel allowance for each location.
The living subsidy is based on the education region where you undertake your practicum.
The current rates are:
- $290 a week for schools in the Remote Teaching Service
- $290 a week for schools in the Goldfields, Kimberley and Pilbara regions
- $220 a week for schools in the Midwest region
- $150 a week for schools in the Wheatbelt region.
The travel allowance and living subsidy are only available once to each eligible student teacher or psychologist.
Accommodation is difficult to find in some country areas. If you have access to accommodation, it may assist with your placement. Placement in the Program depends on you, your university, or the school finding suitable accommodation.
Application process
- Talk with your university practicum coordinator to organise a practicum in a rural, regional or remote school.
- Ensure your application is supported and signed by your university practicum coordinator.
- Once your practicum has been confirmed, complete and email the application form no later than four weeks before your practicum is due to start to: teachinwa@education.wa.edu.au. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- You will be notified in writing via email of the outcome of your application.
- If your application is successful you can expect payment of the travel allowance and living subsidy into your nominated bank account at least two weeks before your practicum starts.
Successful applicants will be required to participate in an orientation session to be held prior to practicum placements each term. Not all applications to the Program are successful, we reserve the right to award or refuse applications.