Teach Queensland

We love hearing stories of how our teachers have made a big impact on students like Sully. His teachers must be so proud ❤️

On his first day at Harristown State High School, Sully couldn't speak a word of English.

‘It was the start of my new life,’ he said.

Sulaiman 'Sully' was just 15 when he walked through the school gates in Toowoomba in 2018. A young Yazidi man from Iraq, he and his family were captured by ISIS in 2014 and endured more than 20 months of trauma, displacement and hardship. They escaped in 2016 and were given the opportunity to rebuild their lives in Australia.

‘Australia is an amazing country, where we have freedom and a better life,' Sully said.

'It was very hard at first, but our philosophy was to "get up and do it".’

Learning a whole new language was its own challenge.

‘It was a huge job to learn a whole new language. Day by day I worked harder to learn quicker.'

Sully credits his teachers and friends for getting him through. Like many of our state schools, Harristown plays an important role supporting refugee students and families as they settle into new communities and build brighter futures. 💫

Around 29% of Harristown's students are learning English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D), with students coming from more than 40 different countries.

Head of the EAL/D department Sonya said the school's specialised support helps students develop English language skills while also building confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.

'The wonderful part about being a teacher and leader in the EAL/D program is seeing students succeed and become empowered and self-sufficient,' she said.

For Sully, sport opened doors he never expected. The Harristown Football Academy soon became a central part of his school experience. ⚽

‘The biggest opportunity I took was becoming a referee in 2021,' he said.

Since then, he has travelled interstate, working alongside FIFA and A-League referees, and last month was appointed to referee in Queensland's National Premier Leagues men's competition. 🏆

‘I am so proud of what I’ve accomplished in five years.’

Today, Sully has come full circle. He now works as a teacher aide and translator in the same EAL/D program that supported him when he first arrived in Australia, helping other students learn English and find their place at school.

‘I’m here because I want to give back to the school and teachers that have done so much for me,' he said.

'I feel safe, welcome, comfortable and important. It’s a fantastic place.’

Thanks for sharing your story, Sully! We'll keep an eye out for you on the sidelines.

Why would someone consider moving to Queensland from interstate? Miriam relocated from Melbourne and bought her wide a range of personal and professional experiences with her.

‘I am a Ghanaian, who grew up in Aotearoa-New Zealand where I gained my teaching degree.’ Miriam speaks English, Twi and even has primary level Māori and French! Miriam spent her first year teaching Year 8s in Samoa, then moved to Melbourne and taught in both private and public schools. She relocated to Far North Queensland ‘on a wing and a prayer’ in 2023.

Miriam found it easy to settle in and loves the community of Mossman where she is currently teaching. ‘There's ongoing support, no matter your professional level, and a lot of autonomy and trust as a professional. And greater access to diverse communities, surprisingly more than in the cities. I find even though cities are multicultural, people are stuck in their own bubbles in cities.’

‘The cost of living is lower depending on where you are, a slower pace of life, lot of sunshine and diverse landscapes. There are fantastic and helpful communities and greater access to development.’ She also received ‌relocation assistance and housing subsidised by the department.

‘I've decided to make Mossman State School my permanent home after falling in love with the Douglas Shire.’

If you're interested in speaking to someone about making the move to Queensland like Miriam, fill out our short form and our recruiters will be in contact soon to discuss opportunities that may be available to you: https://ems.gs/3AzW0cshbhp.

Learn more about moving to teach in Queensland visit the Teach Queensland website: https://teach.qld.gov.au/ready-to-apply/eligibility-to-apply/interstate-teachers

More than 1,500 kilometres from the Queensland–NSW border, there are still a few people in Queensland state schools backing the Blues.

We can't explain it, but we can respect their commitment. 😉

Good luck to our friends at Teach NSW tonight. May the best state win 👊

📸: Ingham State High School, Official

If you’re looking for your first or next teaching role, timing is everything! We have a variety of permanent and temporary positions commencing in Semester 2 and we're looking for more teachers to join us in Queensland state schools.

Submitting your application on our website is the first step in the recruitment process to ensure you’re considered for upcoming vacancies: https://teach.qld.gov.au/ready-to-apply/apply-now

If you’d prefer to connect with a recruiter before you apply, complete this short form and we will be in touch to answer any questions you have: https://ems.gs/3AzW0cshbhp.

Looking to teach in a vibrant community surrounded by breathtaking outback landscapes? Welcome to Mount Isa! 🏜📚

Situated in north-west Queensland alongside the Leichhardt River, Mount Isa is a regional city known for its rich mining history, spectacular scenery and world-famous rodeo. This 'Oasis of the Outback' is a thriving city offering a unique blend of natural beauty and urban conveniences.

Choose from a wide and varied range of teaching and leadership opportunities in Mount Isa’s large educational community, encompassing nine state schools including Mount Isa Special School and the Mount Isa School of the Air.

Whether you’re passionate about inclusive education, encourage academic excellence, or love building community connections, Mount Isa’s schools offer the chance to make a meaningful impact every day.

Mount Isa is a place to explore, grow and thrive. From its rugged red hills and striking outback landscapes to its lively cultural events and welcoming community, Mount Isa promises a truly fulfilling lifestyle.

👉 If you’re seeking an incredible teaching opportunity, consider Mount Isa and chat with our recruiters to find your fit: https://ems.gs/3AzW0cshbhp

Teaching in a special school isn’t just a job—it’s about unlocking potential, fostering independence and celebrating the unique breakthroughs that happen when a student truly feels seen and supported.

We are looking for more dedicated, compassionate and innovative educators to join our special education teams across Queensland. Whether you are an experienced special education teacher or a teacher looking to bring your skills into a deeply rewarding new environment, you could be exactly who our students need!

Why join a special education team?

- Collaborative culture: Work alongside passionate multidisciplinary teams including therapists and dedicated support staff.

- Student centred teaching: Pivot from a structured curriculum to truly individualised, student-centric learning and small class sizes.

- Deep connection: Build profound, lasting relationships with students, families and communities.

If you are ready to bring your heart, your creativity and your expertise to a role that changes lives daily, we want to hear from you.

Connect with our recruiters supporting special schools across Queensland to explore the opportunities to foster the potential in every student. Request a chat with a recruiter today 👉 https://ems.gs/3AzW0cshbhp

Nominations for the annual TEACHX awards are closing soon!

This is your chance to acknowledge a teacher colleague who has made an outstanding contribution to education in Queensland.

Submit your nominations to the Queensland College of Teachers by THIS Friday 12 June. 👉 https://www.qct.edu.au/teachx/nominations

Know a teacher who deserves a place in the TEACHX hall of fame? 🏆

Past winners have been recognised across state, Catholic and independent schools, as well as early childhood and university settings, for their years of service and extraordinary accomplishments including:

🌐 Pioneering Queensland's first fully online postgraduate teacher education program
📚 Transforming school libraries into reconciliation hubs
🌿 Reconnecting pandemic-born children with curiosity through outdoor and slow pedagogy
💡 Boosting female participation in STEM and sport
🎮 Bringing eSports, robotics, and video game technologies into classrooms
🌾 Inspiring students to pursue agricultural careers
🤝 Supplying high-achieving graduate teachers to disadvantaged schools

TEACHX recognises teaching excellence across Queensland – and the next inductee could be someone you know.

Registered teachers can nominate a teaching colleague until Friday 12 June.

👉 Nominate now: https://www.qct.edu.au/teachx/nominations

Looking for a teaching role in a vibrant community surrounded by natural beauty? Welcome to Beaudesert! 🌳🎓

Located in Queensland’s stunning Scenic Rim Region, Beaudesert is a rural town with a rich agricultural heritage and a strong sense of community.

As a teacher at Beaudesert State School, Beaudesert State High School and neighbouring schools such as Woodhill State School, you’ll have the chance to:
✅ Inspire students through high-quality academic, sporting and cultural programs
✅ Build meaningful connections with a supportive and engaged community
✅ Work in a region that blends modern education with traditional values

Beyond the classroom, the Beaudesert area offers a lifestyle like no other. Offering everything from rolling green hills to welcoming community events, this town is the perfect place to live, work and grow. Whether you’re exploring the Scenic Rim’s national parks or enjoying the local markets, Beaudesert is a place where you can thrive.

📸 Thank you to the staff at Beaudesert State High School for sharing these photos with us!

👉 Ready to make a difference in Beaudesert? Contact us today to learn more about teaching opportunities in this beautiful part of Queensland: https://ems.gs/3AzW0cshbhp