As Australia’s largest city, Sydney naturally has a great demand for teachers of all types. However, that’s not to say that it will be simple to find a job of your choice in the area in which you live (or intend to live). Especially if you’re planning on relocating, you’ll need to do your research before applying for teaching jobs in Sydney.
Finding Education Jobs in Sydney
Education jobs can be found in a variety of institutions, from primary schools to secondary schools, and in both the public and private sectors. Sydney is home to some of Australia’s most prestigious private schools, and many such schools don’t advertise their jobs publicly, so it pays to dig a little deeper, particularly online.
If you’re an excellent teacher with a solid background, it’s sometimes an option to consider a move from the public system and into private education. Many private schools have a greater focus on academic achievement, and offer more subject variety – both of which can create a stimulating work environment. While many teachers enjoy the challenge of working in government schools, some find it a refreshing change to spend time experiencing an alternative system.
One of the biggest challenges for teachers considering a move to Sydney is the cost of living in the city. While new teachers certainly earn much higher wages these days than those in many other occupations, moving to a location where rents are comparatively high can impact your quality of life.
Again, this means that it’s necessary to do plenty of research before relocating. If you do have a place to live, work out how far you’re willing to travel and how long it will take you to get there during rush hour. What may be a leisurely 15 minute drive on a Saturday afternoon can turn into a harrowing hour long journey during rush hour traffic.
Use Your Skills to Find a Great Job
There are often set criteria to be addressed when applying for teaching jobs in Sydney, indeed for the rest of Australia. However, it is often possible to add supporting information as well. It is a great idea to have a physical or online portfolio that showcases your expertise and knowledge, and which also details areas of particular interest to you. This is particularly true for primary school teachers, as in many schools specialist teachers cross over between regular classroom teaching and courses such as music, art and languages.
If you speak another language fluently, you may consider applying to a school where that language is taught, and where your skills can be put to best use. Sydney is a multicultural city with many migrant communities, and knowing a second or third language can be a great asset in schools where there are high numbers of migrant students for whom English is a second language.
Regardless of your interests and expertise, there are education jobs in the beautiful city of Sydney which may suit you and your particular skills. Registering at a quality online education jobs website will help you in your search for the jobs in Sydney that are right for you.
Hi there,
I have been teaching in the public system for 12 years as a PE teacher. What are some links or sites to look at moving into the private system as I need a change
Thanks in advance
Heath
Hi Heath,
Probably the best method is to get your CV in good order and target some specific schools that you would like to work in. That way, you can make a direct and personal approach, hopefully get some face-time in front of a decision-maker, and avoid the trauma of applying for independent school roles with hundreds of other candidates.
Try networking through your subject association with teachers from the independent sector, use LinkedIn if you’re comfortable there, and basically start to raise your profile so that you are well connected and people are aware that you’re open to offers.
Finally, you might consider doing some Casual Relief Teaching for a couple of the private schools in your surrounding suburbs in order to get some good school names on your CV. However, this obviously comes at a significant financial cost and you would have to give up your job security, so probably not the best approach.
Sites you might try include the catholic schools sites in NSW and VIC especially, and also Independent Schools Victoria.
Good luck with your job search!