04/11/2026
'I quickly realised that the busy lifestyle and long commutes weren’t for me,' Lisa, a beginning teacher at Gladstone State High School told us. ‘A regional community offered a calmer, more relaxed lifestyle. I grew up in a regional area before moving to Brisbane to complete my degree. What stood out most was being able to relate to my students through their interests, hobbies and way of life, which helped me build meaningful connections with them.’
Lisa received a professional experience grant from the department that assisted with some of the costs associated with undertaking a placement outside of Brisbane, while completing her degree. After completing her third prac at Gladstone State High School, Lisa jumped at the opportunity to teach Dance/Drama and English there. 🎭📖 ‘I had loved my prac experience and the staff. The support and positive reinforcement I received from supervising teachers, mentors and other staff members helped me to flourish while finishing my degree. My goal was always to return to the region and help build Dance opportunities at a local high school. So being offered a permanent position, I was over the moon to accept.’ 🤸
‘Gladstone State High School has been an incredible place to begin my teaching career, with great staff, strong support and plenty of opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.' 💃 In her first year, she has established the Gladstone SHS’s Dance Troupe, taken students to the local eisteddfod and planned an excursion to Bangarra Dance Theatre. ‘These experiences outside the classroom have been incredibly rewarding and have really filled my cup as a teacher. Most importantly, I cannot emphasise enough how much the people have contributed to my experience; the Arts and English faculties have been incredibly welcoming, supportive and encouraging, making me feel valued as both a teacher and a member of the school community.’
Check out the professional experience grants you may be able to access here: https://teach.qld.gov.au/study-teaching/professional-experience-grants-and-resources
And if you’re interested in teaching in a Queensland state school and living in a regional, rural or remote community, like Lisa, enquire with our recruiters today: https://ems.gs/3AzW0cshbhp
