FAQ
Q: Can Leading Out assist me with positions around the world?
Yes! That is what the Leading Out network is for! Once registered with us, you will have access to positions across the globe. This includes Australia, Singapore, UK, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Middle East, and many others. Just let us know when you are available and what countries you are interested in and we will activate your application.
Q: Why should I sign-up with Leading Out?
We are a network, not an agency! Once registered with us, you will have access to positions around the world. We are just like you! We come from Canada and the UK, and travelled to teach overseas including Australia. We understand the changes you will experience when moving overseas. We are here FOR YOU! We try and provide as many support services that will make your teach n’ travel experience as smooth and as wonderful as possible. We do not just provide CRT (supply) work; you will have access to a variety of employment options AND you have access to a network of support services.
Q: Can I work in Australia and for how long?
If you are under 31, then the Working Holiday Visa (417), will allow you to work and travel for
one year. One limitation is that you can only work in one position (one employer) for a
maximum of six months. The great advantage with this visa is that you can travel and work
for one year and you can work as many jobs as you would like. Many teachers also
get waitressing, bartending, or tutoring jobs as well for social and financial reasons.
The visa application process can be completed online and usually takes two weeks.
Dpt. of Immigration and Citizenship: http://www.immi.gov.au
Working Holiday Visa General Information:
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/working-holiday/index.htm
Visa Costs: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i/working-holiday.htm
Online Application: http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/visitors.htm
Countries eligible for the 417 Working Holiday Visa:
Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan
Unitied States (equivalent), and United Kingdom.
Q: If I am over 30, can I still teach in Australia?
Yes you can, but you would be unable to work under the Working Holiday Maker Visa (417). You would need to be sponsored by a school or business under the Temporary Business Sponsorship Visa (457). If you are interested in obtaining more information, please go to: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/index.htm
Q: When my 417 visa expires after one year, can I stay longer and work?
There are opportunities for teachers to extend their stay via a Business Sponsorship Visa. This would require obtaining a full-time position with a school with the school sponsoring you. For more information, please go to: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/index.htm
Q: Do I need to be registered in order to teach in Australia?
Teachers who are coming to Melbourne, need to register with the Victoria Institute of Teaching (VIT) in order for their qualifications to be recognized (www.vit.vic.edu.au). All teachers are required to have VIT certification in order to teach in primary and secondary schools in Victoria. The application process can take up to 2 months and can only be sent by mail. This is something to consider early in your decision to teach in Australia. Other states also have their own teaching association and teachers must be registered with the correct association. For details on other States in Australia, please contact Leading Out.
Q: Should I apply for VIT registration early even if I am only graduating from teachers college this year and do not have my final transcripts yet?
VIT recommends that anyone that is just completing their degree should still send all the registration forms and other documentation to the department early. Once you have received your final transcripts, a certified copy can be sent to them to add to your record and then your application will be processed.
Q: Can I still teach with Leading Out if I have already arrived in Australia?
Definitely! As long as you are on a Working Holiday Maker Visa, or a visa that allows you to work in Australia, we can assist you. You will need to be VIT certified (or other state certification) before you can teach in the schools. Keep in mind that if you have not registered with VIT, this process can take at least a month and requires documentation from your country (ex. recent police check, transcripts, etc.) Contact Leading Out so you can start teaching as soon as possible.
Q: When is the best time to teach in Australia?
The school year goes from the end of January until mid-December. Each state has different dates, attached is the Victorian Calendar. Most casual relief teaching and short-term vacancies are during the months of March to November. Keep in mind that at the beginning and end of the year, schools do not require as many teachers for daily or short-term vacancies.
Term Dates
|
2009 |
2010 |
|
Jan. 28th – April 3rd |
Jan. 27th – March 26th |
|
April 20th – June 26th |
April 12th – June 25th |
|
July 13th – Sept. 18th |
July 12th – Sept. 19th |
|
Oct. 5th – Dec. 18th |
Oct. 4th – Dec. 17th |
Q: Can Leading Out assist me if I want to teach in other States?
We have secondary positions in Queensland and Northern Territory and regional Victoria. Please contact Leading Out for more details.
Q: How much work will I get and can I get a short-term contract?
As stated above, casual relief teaching and short-term vacancies appear between March – November. The beginning and end of the year is much slower. If you are in Australia from December to February, we suggest taking this opportunity to travel the country or work in a different area like waitressing, bartending, etc. The amount of work also depends on your location in the city, your flexibilty with travel, your teaching area, and the rapport you build with the schools. 80% of our teachers interested in contract work have been placed in short-term contracts through Leading Out.
Q: Are there other international teachers in Melbourne?
Yes there are many! Our teachers are mainly from Canada, the UK, and NZ. We organize a social support group (The “OC”) where we get together and do fun activities around the city and on weekend trips. So on those days when you are feeling a bit homesick, Leading Out is there to make you feel at home.
Q: How much do teachers get paid?
This depends on your teaching experience and which state you decide to teach in.
For Victorian schools, please go to:
http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/hrweb/employcond/salary/salaries.htm
Also, employers must pay their employees 9% superannuation (pension plan). You can apply for your superannuation back when you leave Australia. For casual relief teaching, please contact Leading Out for details.
Q: Where can I find out more about the curriculum?
If you are teaching in Victoria, the following links will provide you with information for all year levels and subject areas.
The VCAA (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/) is responsible for the provision of high quality curriculum and assessment programs for all students in Victoria. This website will give you information about all year levels and subject areas.
Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) (http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au) – This website provides an overview of the new approach to Victorian curriculum from Prep to Year 10.
VCE (Years 11 & 12) (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/index.html) – This website provides information on Year 11 and 12 curriculum.
Q: Why should I use Leading Out to teach in Australia?
Leading Out understands the decisions you are making. We are educators and have travelled throughout the world. We understand your needs and want to ensure that your trip to Australia is smooth, successful, and most importantly enjoyable. We provide personal and professional support before, during, and after your adventure. We give you options and opportunities and we always welcome your suggestions and feedback. Let us help you make your dream a reality!

"Seeing as I started work the day after I landed in Melbourne, knowing everything was in order really put me at ease and allowed me to jump head first into my adventure!"










