This discussion will explore the career trajectory and benefits of becoming an educator in the Catholic system, highlighting the professional pathways, personal fulfillment and spiritual rewards that come with serving in faith-based education.

Opportunities available for educators in Catholic schools

Career opportunities for educators in Catholic schools span from roles as classroom teachers to middle-leadership and senior leadership responsibilities in areas of curriculum, pastoral care, religious education and administration.

Teachers who choose to stay in the classroom can become either a Highly Accomplished Teacher or Lead Teacher through the certification process. Certification is a process whereby experienced classroom teachers voluntarily pursue national certification to demonstrate their teaching skills and abilities at the higher career-stages of the Australian Professional Standards for Education.

With experience, teachers may have the opportunity to advance to middle leadership positions in pastoral care or curriculum taking on responsibilities that form students academically, pastorally, socially and spiritually. Educators can also move into senior leadership positions in roles as Assistant Principal, Deputy Principal and Principal. Beyond the school setting, experienced Catholic educators may find opportunities to serve at the system level as Advisers, Team Leaders, Education Consultants or Directors.

Support for Teachers in Regional and Remote Catholic School Communities

Each year Townsville Catholic Education (TCE) recruits energetic and committed teachers who want to make a difference in the lives of children and young adults in regional and remote communities.

Regional and remote school communities include Hughenden, Winton, Collinsville, Cloncurry, Mount Isa and Palm Island. TCE schools offer graduates exciting, challenging and rewarding opportunities to teach in these centres.

These schools are distinctively different in size, cultural context and proximity to other major centres. The school community is built on community spirit, connection and trust and bonds are often formed in recreational and social environments at the heart of the town.

TCE recognises that teachers relocating to these schools will have to adapt to different living and working conditions compared to those in major regional centres.  Because of this, financial benefits and other conditions and incentives are available to those who choose to live in rural and remote communities.

Incentive Payments & Allowances

The Incentive Payment – Remote Area Staff Scheme (IPRASS)* provides a financial bonus for teachers who work in our more isolated schools.  

Endless Horizons – Graduate Teacher Incentive

Townsville Catholic Education has increased the IPRASS as an incentive for Graduates to teach in Mt Isa and Cloncurry.  Starting January 2026, this 12-month trial encourages new Graduates to join our Mt Isa and Cloncurry schools.

The Living and Accommodation Allowance for new Graduate teachers has doubled - from $350 to $700 per fortnight! *

Teachers can also access:

•  $2,000 travel allowance annually
•  $1,200 wellbeing allowance - think flights, retreats, gym memberships, or just treating yourself!
•  Relocation assistance up to the value of $6000 for eligible Graduates
• Extra leave to explore and recharge
• Incentive Payments Remote Area Staff Scheme (IPRASS)
• Isolated Teacher Assistance Scheme

For more information on this incentive visit - https://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/careers/benefits-of-working-rural-and-remote/

Professional Development for Existing Teachers

Professional learning for teachers in Catholic schools ensures a level of competence and confidence that leads to improved outcomes for students in our schools. All teachers are obligated to maintain an approved level of accreditation to teach in Catholic schools and TCE provides a broad range of formation and development opportunities for educators to engage in through workshops, conferences and training programs that strengthen instructional skills, curriculum design, and classroom management.  

Teachers in our Catholic schools are obligated to participate in faith and theological formation, to deepen their understanding of the Catholic tradition and the story of Jesus that underpins our mission and ethos. Opportunities for professional learning through postgraduate study, immersion programs, retreats and spiritual formation better prepare teachers for leadership and ensures they continue to grow professionally and spiritually throughout their careers.

Staff formation is a significant initiative for the Townsville Catholic Education Office. Please click here for the Staff Formation Framework.

Early Career Teachers

Townsville Catholic Education recognises the unique needs of Early Career Teachers and commits to an ongoing support and development program as they transition from Graduate to Proficient over two years. Professional development in this space is aligned with the core content of the evidenced-based Initial Teacher Education program.

TCE’s ECT Program outlines the key evidence-based practices ITE graduates should be taught in order to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), paying particular attention to teaching reading, literacy and numeracy, classroom management, cultural responsiveness, teaching students with diverse needs and working with families/carers.

The scope and sequence of the program is informed by the core content of the Initial Teacher Program showing alignment to the AITSL standards and a pathway of professional development for pre-service teachers and for Early Career Teachers. It champions the graduate teacher standards and focuses on three key areas of evidence-based teaching practices: the brain and learning, effective pedagogical practices, and classroom management.

Leadership Programs for Educators

TCE Aspirant Leaders Program

Townsville Catholic Education provides an Aspirant Leaders program for those within our system who are interested in and aspire to future leadership roles. TCE encourages individuals to express interest or propose others for inclusion through nominations by principals, self-nominations, or peer nominations. 

The aims of the program are:

• to identify potential future Catholic school senior leaders (Principals, Deputy Principals, Assistant Principal Religious Education and other Assistant Principal roles),

• provide a glimpse to aspirant leaders about the expectations, challenges and rewards of senior leadership,

• provide advice about what is required to attain a senior leadership position and

• assist aspirant leaders to identify the knowledge, skills and capabilities they need to develop to be a successful Catholic school leader in the future. 

Early Career Principal Mentoring Supports Professional Growth

Townsville Catholic Education is committed to creating meaningful pathways and formation for leadership and recognising and developing leaders in their professional practice.  Beginning Principal Mentoring exists to promote excellence in schools by supporting the skill acquisition and competency of beginning principals in the Six Dimensions of School Leadership.