Frequently Asked Questions - Applicants for Teacher Employment
What is the difference between the Department of Education, Training and the Arts and Education Queensland?
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) was established to engage Queenslanders in life long education and training and to build a strong arts and cultural sector which enriches the lives of Queenslanders.
Education Queensland (EQ) is a major work unit within DETA that is responsible for the delivery of high quality education to more than 70 percent of all Queensland school students at preschool, primary and secondary levels.
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What are my chances of gaining employment as a permanent or temporary teacher with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA)?
Each year DETA employs approximately 1400 new permanent teachers and 3500 teachers on a temporary basis. Applicants can increase their chance of employment by being willing to work in a range of locations and/or being qualified in areas of high demand.
All recruitment for permanent teacher employment undertaken by DETA is vacancy driven. Offers of employment are dependent on the number and nature of vacancies. Employment offers are made on the basis of merit, availability, suitability ranking, teaching capabilities and location preferences.
Find out more about careers and vacancies.
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What employment options are available?
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) offers a number of employment options for teachers. These are as follows:
- Permanent full-time- teachers are employed for 10 days per fortnight.
- Permanent part-time- teachers are employed for 2-9 days per fortnight; salary and entitlements apply on a pro-rata basis.
- Temporary- teachers are employed from 6 days to 12 months on a full-time or part-time basis. Temporary positions are usually offered when permanent teachers take leave with the intention to return. There is no guarantee that temporary positions will become permanent.
- Casual- relief or supply teachers are engaged on a daily basis for up to 5 days at a time.
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What qualifications do I need to become a school teacher in Queensland?
For eligibility to be employed as a teacher in Queensland, applicants must have completed a preservice teacher education program that will ensure that they are granted teacher registration by the Queensland College of Teachers 
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There are a number of different pathways available to gain teacher registration and become a teacher in Queensland.
Acceptable academic qualifications for teacher registration are successful completion of:
- A course of preservice teacher education consisting of at least four years of academic study, including professional studies that are at least one year of academic study;
- A graduate course of preservice teacher education consisting of professional studies that are at least one year of academic study; or
- Another course of teacher education, provided by a higher education institution, that the College is satisfied is the equivalent of a course mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).
Further information about applying for teacher registration and qualifications required can be accessed by the Queensland College of Teachers Website, New Applicants webpage . You can also contact the College via:
Queensland College of Teachers
Level 10 Sherwood House
Sherwood Road
TOOWONG QLD 4066
Phone: (07) 3377 4777
Email: enquiries@qct.edu.au
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After completing my university studies am I assured of a teaching position with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA)?
The number of teaching position vacancies in Queensland state schools varies on an annual basis; therefore there is no guarantee of employment once you have completed your preservice teacher education program. Employment offers are made on the basis of merit, availability, suitability ranking, teaching capabilities and location preferences. Applicants with restricted location preferences may significantly limit their employment opportunities.
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Which areas are there likely to be future employment opportunities?
There are currently substantial numbers of quality primary applicants in Queensland to meet state school demands.
The majority of employment opportunities for teaching applicants are expected to arise in specialist areas and secondary curriculum areas, such as:
- Industrial Technology and Design (Manual Arts)
- Special Education
- Senior Maths
- Senior Science
- Information Communication Technology
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If I limit the locations preferences where I am willing to teach (e.g. don't indicate I am willing to go statewide on my application for teacher employment) will this impact on my employment prospects?
A large number of permanent vacancies arise in non-metropolitan areas. If you limit your location preferences it may restrict your employment opportunities. The more regions and districts you are willing to teaching in, the greater your opportunities for permanent and temporary employment.
Permanent offers of employment are dependant on the number and nature of vacancies and are made on the basis of merit, availability, suitability ranking, teaching capabilities and location preferences.
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What is the difference between a Region and a District?
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts has established 10 regions across Queensland. These regions are responsible for the recruitment of personnel into schools within their individual regions.
The 10 Regions are made up of 26 Districts. Districts are responsible for the student and school outcomes.
| Region | Districts |
| Darling Downs- South West | Roma; The Downs; Toowoomba; Warwick. |
| Far North Queensland | Cairns Coastal; Tablelands-Johnstone; Torres Strait and Cape. |
| Fitzroy-Central West | Central Coast; Central Queensland; Central West.; |
| Greater Brisbane | Brisbane Central and West; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; South East Brisbane. |
| Mackay-Whitsunday | Mackay-Whitsunday. |
| Moreton | Moreton East; Moreton West. |
| North Queensland | Mt Isa; Townsville. |
| South Coast | Gold Coast; Logan- Albert Beaudesert. |
| Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast North; Sunshine Coast South. |
| Wide-Bay Burnett | Wide Bay North; Wide Bay South; Wide Bay West. |
Maps identifying the locations of the Regions (new window) 
and Districts and the schools within each can be accessed via DETA's website.
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How do I find out more about a particular school or community?
Information regarding particular schools or communities in Queensland can be gained by contacting the local regional/district office staff or school staff. Contact details for specific school sites are available through the Department of Education, Training and the Arts website, maps and school information webpage.
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What is the current rate of pay?
Teaching salaries in the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) are based on the Teachers' Award State. Remuneration is determined by years of service, qualifications and promotional level.
Information about current salary rates (new window) 
and employment conditions is available through DETA's website.
DETA has a consistent approach to the recognition of prior teaching or industry experience for the purpose of remuneration levels for teachers engaged under the Teachers' Award State. Refer to Recognition of Prior Services- Teachers for information in relation to the recognition of prior service for teachers.
Applicants wishing to have prior teaching/industry experience considered must make an application to the Teacher Classification Team, Payroll Services, PO Box 15033, City East Q 4002.
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Do I have to do 'country service', that is teach in a regional, rural or remote location?
It is a condition of permanent employment with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts that teachers may be required to work anywhere in Queensland to satisfy state-wide staffing requirements.
Permanent teachers should expect that they will be required to teach in locations not necessarily of their choosing at some time in their career. This condition applies whether or not applicants express restricted location preferences for initial employment on the Application for Teacher Employment.
Teachers who have served in rural and remote locations, are eligible to apply for a transfer to their preferred location upon completion of the minimum service requirement. Generally, three years is the minimum service period in a school, however there is no guarantee of a successful transfer straight away.
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What are the benefits of teaching in a rural or remote location?
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts recognises the commitment of teachers who are willing to relocate from their home locations to undertake rural and remote service and therefore provides a Remote Area Incentive Scheme providing benefits to individual teachers and their families.
The Department's Remote Area Incentive Scheme (RAIS) encourages quality teachers to consider teaching in remote and rural schools through:
- Compensation cash benefits;
- Incentive cash benefits;
- Extended emergent leave provisions;
- Targeted Induction program/s.
For further information regarding the Remote Area Incentive Scheme and the benefits of teaching in rural and remote areas, please refer to the Guide for Teacher Applicants (new window) .
Maps identifying the locations of the Regions (new window) and Districts and the schools within each can be accessed via DETA's website.
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Is housing provided to teachers in rural and remote locations?
In some rural and remote locations, housing is provided to teachers at subsidised rental rates, the more remote the location the greater the level of housing support offered. You can contact relevant regional/district offices to provide you with specific details.
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If I take up a permanent position in a less preferred location, when can I transfer to a preferred location?
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts conducts an annual Teacher Transfer Process to provide opportunities for teachers to apply for a transfer to any part of Queensland.
The transfer process operates on a points system and is vacancy driven. Teachers accrue transfer points based on the school's rating and their period of service in each school location.
Points to gain a transfer can vary from year to year depending on the amount of vacancies a region has available. There is no guarantee that transfer applicants will receive their first location preference.
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What is the probation period?
Teachers commencing employment with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) are subject to a probationary period of 8 months from commencement.
The probationary period assists DETA to understand the skills, knowledge and abilities of the teacher and provide support in areas identified requiring further development.
This probation period may be extended in exceptional circumstances.
A probationary teacher will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in:
- Classroom Management
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Curriculum Program Development
- Learning and Teaching
During the probationary period the Principal (or their delegate) will undertake an interim performance review at approximately 3 months and a formal performance report at approximately 6 months either confirming permanent appointment or recommending termination of employment.
An appointment may be terminated at any time during probation if severe performance deficiencies exist.
For further information, refer to the Teachers ' Award - State 2003
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What professional development or induction support is available when I am appointed to a school?
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) encourages all schools to provide induction and professional development opportunities for their staff. Individual schools are responsible for decisions about the induction and professional development opportunities made available to their staff.
Induction programs may include orientation, mentoring, professional conversations with colleagues, participation in appropriate professional development and collegial activities, observation of colleagues, reduced contact time, team teaching and cooperative planning processes.
The Flying Start induction toolkit for beginning teachers (new window) is available for beginning teachers to access from DETA's website. Permanently employed beginning teachers and temporary teachers with contracts longer than a term will receive the induction toolkit by mail. All other beginning, returning and casual teachers and their mentors are welcome to download the resource from the Beginning Teacher Induction website
Induction programs for provisionally registered teachers will focus on the Professional Standards for Queensland Teachers developed by the Queensland College of Teachers , in order to:
- reflect on practice and relevant professional standards
- analyse professional strengths and weaknesses
- set personal and collegial professional goals
- assess capacity to meet the requirement of the QCT
When beginning teachers have received full teacher registration from the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), they will transition into using Education Queensland's - Professional Standards for Teachers, which aligns with the QCT's standards. It provides a comprehensive description of the work of teachers and represents the aspirations of the teaching profession in Queensland state schools.
A range of professional development activities focussed on Education Queensland Professional Standards for Teachers occurs in all regions/districts. The standards provide a framework for individuals, teams and networks of teachers to:
- reflect on, talk about, and review teaching practice
- formulate goals to strengthen practice
- establish personal and team learning plans
- monitor and document the achievement of their goals
- explore career pathways and transitions.
Many schools also support their staff to attend professional development opportunities offered by teacher professional associations and outside agencies.
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What support is available outside my school?
There is a great range of support and professional development opportunities available to teachers, including:
- Beginning Teacher Networks
- Professional Development Website
- Professional Development Agenda
- Joint Council of Queensland Teacher Associations (JCQTA)
- The Beginning and Establishing Teachers' Association (BETA)
- The Learning Place Website
- Employee Assistance Service
Beginning Teacher Networks
Beginning Teacher Networks exist across Queensland to support teachers new to the profession and offer professional development activities to complement school induction programs. A list of regional beginning teachers networks can be found through the Aspiring, Beginning and Establishing Teachers' Community.
Professional Development website
The Professional Development site summarises key professional development initiatives for all of DETA's employees. These initiatives include programs suitable for employees throughout the various phases of their career - from aspiring, through beginning, consolidation and growth, high achieving to transitions.
Professional Development Agenda
The Professional Development Agenda outlines professional development initiatives that will be supported in the current financial year, including expectations for key school priorities.
Joint Council for Queensland Teacher Associations (JCQTA)
The Joint Council of Queensland Teachers' Associations Inc (JCQTA) is a peak body for Queensland education professional associations, state based and national associations based in Queensland. JCQTA promotes collaboration between member associations and aims to grow our community whose interests are across preschool, primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary sectors. Information about JCQTA can be accessed through their JCQTA website.
The Beginning and Establishing Teachers ' Association (BETA)
The Beginning and Establishing Teachers' Association (BETA) supports beginning teachers and schools in providing induction programs and assists teachers access networks of support in their local area. Information about BETA can be accessed through their BETA website or via email info@beta.asn.au
The Learning Place
The Learning Place provides Education Queensland staff with access to a range of online communities. These online communities give teachers opportunities to share strategies and experiences, meet online, increase of awareness of issues and access a wealth of online teaching resources.
Employee Assistance Service
Employee Assistance Service provides a range of supportive psychological health services to employees. Services include free short-term confidential counselling as well as some presentation, critical incident debriefing and group work. These services assist individuals and school communities to increase psychological resilience, improve communication, develop positive work relationships and enhance well-being. The Employee Assistance Service may be accessed by using these contact details.
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Is an application for employment the same as an application teacher registration?
In Queensland, teacher registration and teacher employment are two different processes. To be eligible to be employed as a teacher in any state or non-state school in Queensland applicants must hold teacher registration.
The Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) is responsible for checking all applicants' eligibility to teach in Queensland schools and granting teacher registration. The QCT monitors the compliance of all employing authorities in Queensland to ensure that only registered teachers are employed in teaching roles.
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) is the employing authority for state schools.
Applicants for teacher employment with DETA must ensure that they have teacher registration (or have applied for teacher registration) to be considered for teacher employment.
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What does the application process involve?
From 2008, all applicants for employment as a state school teacher will undertake the same process. There are three components to the application process:
- completion of the application form (new window)
- submission of a folio
- attendance at an interview
Detailed information about the application process can be found in the Guide for Teacher Applicants (new window) .
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Do I need to provide documentation to both the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) and the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA)?
Both the QCT and DETA require specific documentation, some of which may be similar.
The QCT requires documentation relating to your eligibility to be registered to teach in a Queensland school.
DETA requires documentation to show: teaching skills and knowledge, qualifications and teacher registration. Please refer to the Guide for Teacher Applicants (new window) for information about the documentation required by DETA.
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Do I have to submit a separate application to each region or district in which I'm interested in teaching?
The Application for Teacher Employment form enables applicants to indicate all of their preferred locations for employment; therefore only one application form is required.
All application forms must be submitted to the Teacher Applicant Centre. All applications are recorded on a database and are available to every regional/district office in the State.
Teacher Applicant Centre
PO Box 469
IPSWICH QLD 4305
Ph: 1300 137 228
Fax: (07) 3202 3236
Email: tac@deta.qld.gov.au
Applicants must notify the Teacher Applicant Centre in writing of any changes to their application, especially contact details.
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Do I need a suitability ranking to be employed as a teacher?
The suitability assessment ranking is a tool developed and used by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts to facilitate the staffing of state schools with the most meritorious applicants.
Applicants for permanent full-time, permanent part-time or temporary teacher employment must undergo the assessment process. The assessment process is designed to give applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their teaching skills, knowledge and abilities.
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How do I obtain a suitability ranking?
From 2008, all applicants for employment as a state school teacher will undertake the same process to receive a suitability ranking. The ranking is allocated based on consideration of all three components of the application process:
- application form
- folio
- interview
Detailed information about these components is available in the Guide for Teacher Applicants (new window) .
Applicants will not be advised of their ranking until they have been offered employment with the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.
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When will I be notified of my suitability ranking?
Suitability Rankings for all applicants will be published on the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) Website, Employing Quality Teachers webpage. This webpage will be updated on a regular basis and therefore depending on the timing of the assessment process will be available from the end of February to the end of September annually.
Applicants will be able to access their ranking based on their DETA applicant (identification number.
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Can my ranking be reassessed?
Applicants who have completed 100 days or more (in total) of temporary and/or casual teaching service are eligible to apply for reassessment. Reassessment may result in the suitability ranking being increased, decreased or retained.
Applicants wishing to apply for reassessment must submit a request for reassessment in writing and submit the written application to the Regional Human Resources Manager in the region in which they are working. Service in a non-state school location must be supported by appropriate documentation and a re-assessment request.
Applicants who have not performed the minimum required period of temporary/casual employment may request a reassessment on the basis of enhanced teaching skills. Relevant documentary evidence must be supplied.
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How long will my suitability ranking be valid?
If an applicant is unsuccessful in gaining permanent employment in a Queensland state school the suitability ranking has an effective life of 2 years (unless changed by reassessment).
If, after 2 years, the applicant has still been unsuccessful in gaining permanent employment, a minimum work requirement has to be achieved to ensure the suitability ranking remains valid.
The minimum work required, to sustain a suitability ranking, is 20 days continuous temporary contract or an aggregated 40 days of temporary and/or casual supply employment within the 2 year period. The minimum work requirement must be completed within a Queensland state school.
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Do only applicants who receive the top ranking gain permanent employment?
All offers of employment are dependent upon the number and nature of vacancies.
Offers of employment are made on the basis of merit, availability, suitability ranking, teaching capabilities and location preferences. For example, if a teacher employment opportunity becomes available staffing officers are required to consider the highest ranked applicants in the first instance. However should there be no suitable applicant at that level available or willing to work within a particular region/district then the staffing officer is able to consider the next meritorious applicants to make an offer of employment.
If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a permanent position, you may be eligible to apply for a reassessment after the completion of 100 days of temporary employment and/or casual teaching.
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Can I apply for casual/relief teaching only?
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA), considers casual/relief teachers (also know as supply or relief teachers) as an important part of their workforce. On average up to 6000 casual/relief teachers may be required to provide teaching services within a Queensland State school.
Applicants who wish to be considered for casual/relief teaching are also required to complete and submit an Application for Teacher Employment, however they are not required to undergo the assessment ranking process.
Casual/relief teachers can also register with DETA's Teacher Relief and Casual Employment Register (TRACER) which provides direct support to school locations in the replacement of teachers on a daily basis.
It is also recommended that Casual/relief teachers should approach schools and make themselves known to staff where they would like to be considered for casual work so the school is also aware of their availability.
TRACER (Teacher Relief and Casual Employment Register) is owned, operated and supported by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.
TRACER is a Departmental service that assists (approximately 530) schools to facilitate the effective management of temporary and casual teacher engagement.
Teachers can elect to register free with TRACER to be considered and undertake work as a casual/relief (also known as supply) teacher in Queensland State schools.
Further information regarding details of TRACER, how you register, how to get work, payment and details of schools that access this service, can be accessed via the TRACER website.
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If I undertake casual/relief teaching can I be considered for permanent or temporary employment?
To be eligible to be considered for permanent or temporary employment, applicants must have undertaken the assessment interview and been allocated a suitability ranking.
If you did not indicate on your application for teacher employment that you wished to be considered for permanent or temporary employment you must up date your application. To update your application details you are required to contact the Teacher Applicant Centre (TAC), they will also provide you with information regarding the assessment/interview process.
If you have identified yourself as a teacher applicant wishing to obtain permanent or temporary work, are currently undertaking casual/relief work and have a suitability ranking, you will be considered for any vacancies that arises in the locations and subjects of your preference. You will not be disadvantaged because you are working casually.
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What is the Teacher Applicant Centre (TAC)?
The Teacher Applicant Centre (TAC) plays a key role in the management and maintenance of all teacher applications.
The main responsibilies are:
- Processing of all teacher applications
- Ensuring that applications are supported by the appropriate documentation and following up with applicants where necessary
- Processing of all acknowledgement letters
- Fielding general calls relating to teacher application data entry process and progress, the requirement for and supply of appropriate supporting documentation for applications of teacher employment
- Maintenance of data currency for the life of the teacher application until an applicant is in regular employment in a region
- Assisting in the management of and updating of assessments/suitability rankings.
Information regarding the Teacher Applicant Centre (TAC) can be accessed via the Department of Education, Training and the Arts webstie.
TAC is located in the Moreton Regional Office and can be contacted via telephone on 1300 137 228 or email tac@deta.qld.gov.au
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How will I know TAC has received and processed my application for teacher employment?
Upon completion of your Application for Teacher Employment being processed TAC will provide you with a welcome letter from the Department of Education, Training and the Arts advising:
- your application has been successfully processed;
- your Identification Number; and
- your application is now active for staffing officers to consider you for employment.
If throughout the processing of your application TAC require clarification or further information/documentation you will be contacted via phone and/or email.
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