Sixty teachers from overseas are now calling Western Australia home, bringing their expertise, passion and fresh perspectives to schools across the state.
Six different countries were represented in the news teachers welcomed by WA Department of Education in Term 1.
The newcomers were welcomed from diverse backgrounds, with 46 arriving from the United Kingdom, six from New Zealand, four from South Africa, two from Canada, and one each from Ireland and Mauritius.
They are now teaching in various regions across WA, with 24 in the South Metro area, 10 in the Wheatbelt, nine in the Midwest, seven in the Goldfields, five in the Pilbara, four in the South West, and one in the Kimberley.
The educators are filling roles across different school levels, with 36 in secondary schools, 16 in primary schools, six in education support, and two in early childhood education.
Those newly arrived are teaching a range of subjects, including humanities and social sciences (HASS) (nine), English (six), mathematics (five), science (five), design and technology (five), physical education (three), and other secondary subjects (three).
The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Schools have embraced their new staff members, with students eager to teach them Aussie slang and help them feel at home.
Narrogin Senior High School Principal, Ms Sandii Stankovic, said the school has welcomed its 12th international teacher.
“They’ve been well received. They bring a culture of excitement. The relationship-building has been great,” she said.
For anyone considering the move, new Narrogin Senior High School teacher Siobhan says “just go for it”.
“It might seem daunting, but once you start the process, you realise, yes, I can do this!,” she said.
“It’s been a brilliant experience. Something that could have been extremely stressful, like moving across the world, they’ve helped so much. So, with every question I could have asked, they’ve helped.”
Since the start of the program, in January 2023, the Department has appointed 253 international teachers.
