“That ICPA lobbies the relevant departments to increase rural teacher incentives to be in line with other government funded rural professional incentives.”
While the current incentives available are appreciated, it is noted that incentives are higher for other professions in rural areas. For example, a qualified nurse has completed 3 years of university, can move to
a regional area and receive $30,000 on commencement of a rural position, $20,000 for completion of 12 months in that role and another $20,000 on completion of another 12 months in the role. In total $70,000 over 2 years. Comparatively a teacher completes 4 years of university, may receive $6747.00 per year in a Band 6 school in regional incentives, and must complete four years’ service in a rural area before accessing the Higher Education Loan Program.
With this kind of disparity, how are we to encourage people to choose a career in rural education?
