TEFL in Australia

Cactus Spoke to Tim Eckenfels, Director of Marketing and Judy Durham, School Director, of International House Sydney, to gauge the opportunities for newly qualified CELTA & CertTESOL trainees to find secure work in Australia.

Firstly, let’s check – which qualifications are accepted by your school as the minimum requirement to teach English? Is it limited to the Cambridge CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL, or do you also accept qualifications such as the Irish MEI RELSA CertTEFL?

Teachers for International House Sydney must have a university degree AND an appropriate TESOL qualification. Our preference is the RSA-UCLES CELTA, but we will accept other appropriate TESOL qualifications. The above qualifications are acceptable.

We understand that teachers from outside Australia can be employed on a Working Holidays Visa. How do schools react to the fact that overseas teachers can only teach for 12 weeks before having to move on to a different school?

International House Sydney: This fits in well with the seasonality of the school. As schools nearly double in size from December til March, many schools welcome the arrival of teachers who are seeking employment for a limited period.

How easy is it to pick up work initially, and after moving on from another school?

It’s not difficult. In the busy months, when teachers arrive and present their CV, they are often offered casual employment, which may lead to a longer contract. Teachers who choose to work in Sydney, Perth or Brisbane – the most popular cities for English language education – generally find work more easily than those in smaller cities or towns. Telephone referees from a school are also important and can secure a position at another Sydney school.

Are there good times and bad times to find work, or is there a constant flow of teachers circulating around Australia looking for work?

No, the flow of teachers is not constant. We receive more CVs from teachers during the high season, and fewer in the low season (June thru August).

What do you think is the main attraction of Sydney to overseas teachers?

Sydney is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia, offering recent arrivals an opportunity to explore its beautiful beaches, nightlife and live among friendly and welcoming Aussies.

Do you take on newly qualified teachers at IH Sydney for 12-week contracts?

Absolutely! Since International House is known worldwide for its language instruction and teacher training, we mentor all of our new teachers and provide ample professional development to ensure their success in the classroom.

Would you say there are other schools in Sydney, which do employ NQTs?

Yes. Especially during the high season.

Is the situation similar across the whole of Australia, would you say?

Overall, yes. Even though the state capitals are the major centers for pedagogical employment, there is ample opportunity in Cairns and the Gold Coast. New ELICOS centers have recently opened in the Sunshine Coast (Noosa), Airlie Beach and Byron Bay.

Do you think these schools are also prepared to hire non-native teachers who have native level English and the relevant qualification?

Absolutely! We have hired such people in the past and, because of their success in the classroom, we would certainly be open to hiring non-native teachers in the future.

What is a typical rate of pay for new teachers of English?

Generally A$32 – A$35.00 casual hourly. (approx. £12 - £15.00, US$22-24.00)

If you're planning to teach in Australia, you might want to consider taking your course there, so that as you finish you're well placed to start sourcing your first job.

Cambridge CELTA in Perth
Cambridge CELTA in Sydney
Cambridge CELTA in Brisbane