More than 70 per cent of Northern Territory (NT) government schools are located in remote areas with almost half of Territory students enrolled in these schools.
Teaching in a remote school is a commitment. It is not for everyone and the conditions can be challenging. However, it is also a unique experience and can be immensely rewarding, offering you a lifestyle you may never get to experience working in a larger city. You will have the opportunity to learn more about who you are as a teacher and an individual, while making a positive and lasting difference to educational outcomes for remote students.
A special part of teaching in remote schools is the chance to work closely with local Aboriginal assistant teachers in the classroom. Many teachers say this is an enriching opportunity that helps build strong team-teaching skills that they can use throughout their career.
Learn more about what remote teachers say about their experiences and more about NT regions and schools.
What is remote?
Remote communities have much of the essential infrastructure of a small town with most communities having a local store, health clinic, school, arts centre and workshop. The majority of residents will be local Aboriginal people with deep connections to the country on which the community is established. The number of non-Aboriginal people living and working there will depend on the size and service needs of the community.
Classrooms in remote communities are places where a range of different cultures, languages and educational experiences combine. English is likely to be a second, third, fourth or even fifth language. To find out more about Indigenous languages and culture: curriculum resources click here.
You may have to travel on unsealed and single lane roads or light aircraft to access a remote community and in the wet season you might not be able to leave the community by road for a number of weeks.
Remote incentives
There are a range of additional benefits for remote teachers including:
- Financial incentives for individuals and families
- Relocation assistance
- Rental concession
- Greater opportunities for fast tracking career advancement
- Fares out of isolated localities
- Additional study and professional learning opportunities
- Guaranteed transfer to Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine or Alice Springs after three years of employment
- Reduction of Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debts for teachers in very remote areas - eligibility criteria applies.
Use our interactive incentive and benefits calculator to calculate how much you may be entitled to when you teach in a remote school in the Northern Territory, based on your personal circumstances and location.
Are you remote ready?
The Remote Teachers guide contains practical information for people thinking about or preparing to live and teach in a remote NT community. The content is based on the advice, experiences and learnings of past and present remote NT educators.
The NT Governments Bushtel website has excellent information about living and working in remote NT locations. It has profiles on 76 NT communities, remote travel tips and advice on community engagement.