[gibby]

As per title- how do you move from teaching at a public primary school to a private/independant school?
What gives you the upper hand?
Would courses in theology help?
In queensland
Thanks!

[somila]

I thought you just applied for a job at the private school? I guess if you had a particular denomination in mind you could check out courses to do, but most people I know just did the inservice program related to the denomination after they got the job.

Sorry, not much help, but I've bumped your thread up a bit.

[*Enigma*]

You can apply direct to the school. For catholic schools you will need to create a profile on catholic jobs online and this is where upload resume, certificates etc.

Good luck

[Apples and Orang...]

For Catholic Schools:
You will need a certification to teach Religious Education and you will be asked in your application if you yourself are Catholic. You can apply to teach in Catholic schools without this certification, but you will have to agree to complete the course within a nominated period of employment.

I completed a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education through a Catholic University. The course is offered online, face-to-face during semester, and intensive during Summer and Winter Schools. There are many teachers completing the course who are in the same situation as you.

In terms of the application process for Catholic schools, you will need to register for classification with the Catholic Education Office (or it could be called Catholic Schools Office) in your area. (Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton or Toowoomba). They do all your background checks etc and then issue you with a classification number. You then apply for teaching positions directly to the schools you wish to teach at, providing them with your classification number and CV.

I hope that helps!

[Soprano-Cat]

You find out someone is retiring and has recommended you for their job and then go see the principal LOL.

At least, that's what I did!!

I moved from EQ -> CathEd this year. I have to do 20 hours worth of religious accreditation over the next 4 years. On Monday 18th, I'm going to an all day PD of 3 different sessions which will give me 5 of those hours. I can bolster them with staff meetings on faith/religious topics.

I am, however, in the fortunate position of not being a classroom teacher, so although I still need the accreditation and to promise to uphold the ethics of the school, the fact that I'm an atheist is less worrisome to the principal of the school.

I was also lucky in that my principal is the "I will hire my own staff, TYVM" type and not so much the "I will let CE hire my staff for me". Once again though, it may have something to do with the recommendation and the relative rarity of people available to fill my position as a specialist in the area.


If you're at all unsure, contact your "local" diocesan HR, they'll be able to help you. I " " because I'm 4 hours away from Rockhampton, but fall under that diocese.

[DG22]

Some schools will hire you without your certificate inReligious education however having it will make u stand out more

[gibby]

Thanks guys! Is it hard to get into the private schools?

[barrington]

The majority of the new teachers at DD1's private school all seem to have children at the school.

[Overtherainbow]

You work at another school but get asked to co-ordinate the parent committee. You then get asked to apply for a job that they want you for.

I've always been independent. First entry was based on a great prac. where the state school requested me but was turned down as they had to employ permanent staff. Headmasters talk and I had my first job.

Second school a past colleague had changed schools and wanted me to pick up some of her hours and I was chasing part time. Ideal.

I was head hunted into current job and won't be moving unless we leave the area. My dream school.

I've found the schools I've taught in have mostly had high expectations. I work a 60 hour plus week, am part time and love it.

My school is full of passionate people who adore their jobs, share their ideas and resources and will do what it takes to pick every child up.

Commitment to the job, a passion for the job and evidence that you go the extra mile is what gets you in. Nobody leaves unless they have a baby or leave the city. People don't retire either, they just reduce hours.