Your Guide to Relief Teaching in QLD

Wondering how to become a relief teacher in QLD? Explore this guide to the qualifications you’ll need, how to apply, relief teacher pay in QLD and more. 

How to become a relief teacher in QLD 

If you want to become a relief teacher in QLD, there are a few steps you’ll need to take before you can begin teaching.  

Complete an approved qualification 

If you want to become a teacher in QLD, the first step is to complete a degree that is approved by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) — these are known as initial teacher education (ITE) programs. In general, an approved ITE programs are: 

• Four-year undergraduate university degrees e.g., Bachelor of Education 
• Dual or combined degree including an education degree e.g., Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education 
• A postgraduate degree in education for those who have already completed undergraduate studies in a field other than education e.g., Master of Teaching or Master of Education 

For more information, here is a full list of approved ITE programs from the Queensland College of Teachers.  

Register with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)  

Before you can begin relief teaching in QLD, you must register with the Queensland College of Teachers. In addition to confirming that your degree meets the requirements mentioned above, this registration process looks at: 

• Your criminal history. The QCT will request an Australian criminal history check when you apply for registration as a relief teacher in QLD. 
• Blue card. All pre-service teachers and education graduates must obtain a blue card signaling their clearance to work with children before they can begin practical experience in Queensland schools. 
• English language proficiency (ELP) requirement. All teachers other than those who have completed their teaching qualification in Australia, or a list of other countries must include a report from either a IELTS or ISLPR test showing their proficiency in English. The countries that are the exception to this rule are: 

• • New Zealand 
  • The United Kingdom 
  • United States of America 
  • Canada 
  • Republic of Ireland 

Depending on the factors listed above as well as your relevant education experience, when your registration to teach in QLD is approved you will be granted one of two levels of registration. 

• Provisional registration 

Provisional registration for relief teachers in QLD is typically granted to new graduates, those returning from a career break and educators having moved from interstate or overseas. The provisional registration is for a period of two years until the educator can successfully demonstrate they meet the professional standards for full registration, although this can be extended for a further 2-year period.  

• Full registration  

Full registration is valid for a period of 5-years and is granted to teachers who can prove they meet the following criteria: 

• Completion of one year of full-time classroom practice (or the equivalent for relief teachers or part-time teachers) 
• Successful demonstration of professional standards for teachers. Learn more about the professional standards for teachers here.  
• Completion of a provisional to full report 

Submit your application through Teach Queensland 

Once you have applied for registration, the next step on your journey to relief teaching in QLD is filling out an application — you can find a link to apply here. The application process will require you to submit proof of your studies in an approved ITE program, along with your academic transcript, ID and proof of application for teacher registration with the QCT.  

Apply for relief teaching jobs in QLD 

For relief teachers in QLD, there and two main ways to connect with public schools and be booked for supply teacher work.  

Get assigned work using TRACER 

If you indicated that you were interested in working as a relief teacher in QLD when you filled out your application form with Teach Queensland, you will be automatically added to Education Queensland’s relief teacher register — known as TRACER. 

Learn more about getting booked as a relief teacher in QLD with TRACER here.  

Connect with schools near you on ClassCover 

Another option for relief teachers in QLD is to connect with schools using ClassCover—an app-based booking platform used by thousands of schools across Australia and New Zealand. Available on phone and web, there are two main ways for teachers to find work on ClassCover.  

• Reach out to schools in your area

After creating your teacher profile on ClassCover, you’re ready to start connecting with schools in your area. From the Find New Schools page, browse the list of schools or filter by post code, school name and more. When you see a school that you like the look of, send a request to be added to their list. Also keep an eye on your School Invites — this is where schools who see your profile can request for you to join their pool of teachers.

Here’s what it looks like to search for new schools in Brisbane on ClassCover: