Every year, UTS works with the NSW Department of Education to offer final year students rural and remote placements in identified schools. Rural placements offer Teacher Education students the chance to build new skills and gain unique experiences with life-changing results.
Eligible students can also participate in the Beyond the Line Program consisting of a 5 day study tour across regional, rural and remote NSW public schools.
For more information, please visit the NSW Department of Education's rural placement resource page, or contact the Professional Experience Office.
“Rural placements give pre-service teachers opportunities to broaden their experiences before applying for graduate positions. I received 3 offers during my application process, all of which identified my practicums in rural NSW as an asset. You will likely see a more holistic view of the education system; the needs and merits of a country school setting; and ultimately come back equipped with more skills to support a wider variety of your future students.”
- Aimee Lanning, Education Graduate 2020 & Laurie Brady Prize Winner
"For me, Rural Placements provide a perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and your teaching practice. As a pre-service teacher, you can witness how rural schools are in close-knit communities with an ethos of belonging and caring for others. Students in these areas might not be given the opportunities that some urban area schools have access to. However, I’ve learned that the teachers of these schools have never made this an issue, rather, an opportunity to combine all their knowledge and resources together to help student students improve, build and grow to become the best learners they can be. What better reason to get out there and do your part in a rewarding profession such as teaching."
- Callum Bradshaw, current student
"I undertook rural placements in the rural towns of Moree and Hay, both of which were once in a lifetime experiences. I got to visit local attractions, surrounding towns, various local farms, and get to know the people of the community. I feel so lucky to have been surrounded by such great teachers, children and communities. The skills I acquired have been invaluable in equipping me with the tools you need as a beginning teacher; I have learnt to be flexible, adaptable, and understanding towards others. I have taken away so many skills and experiences that have helped me grow and develop as an educator both now and into the future. I could not recommend going on a rural placement more, you will not regret it."
- Ella Stoddart, Education Graduate 2020