Remote Teaching Incentives in the NT

Teaching in a remote school comes with incentives like additional allowances, subsidised accommodation, extra days of leave and HELP debt reduction. If you are considering a teaching career in a remote Northern Territory school, it’s worth knowing what benefits apply and what a remote teaching career will look like.

Incentives and Benefits for Remote NT Teachers

Rental Concession 

Depending on the remote category of the location, teachers can also receive up to 100% concession on rent. This arrangement not only removes a significant living expense but also ensures that teachers have suitable accommodation close to their school. Housing arrangements for remote teachers are managed by Catholic Education NT.

Reduction of HELP Debt

Teachers can apply for the HELP Debt reduction after completing 4 years (1400 days) of full time teaching in remote schools. 

Free Airfares

To help maintain family connections and provide access to a broader range of lifestyle amenities, eligible remote teachers are provided with up to four free airfares each year. These fares out of isolated locality (FOIL) cover return flights to the nearest intrastate hub, such as Darwin or Alice Springs. The number of free airfares per year will depend on location - teachers in remote regions further from urban centres will have more free airfare entitlements.

Special Study Leave

Remote NT teachers accrue between two to five Special Remote Study Leave points each year - teachers in more remote locations will be awarded more points. Teachers that have accrued 20 Study Leave points can apply for paid leave to pursue further study or professional development. The paid leave period can be either one school semester on full-pay or two semesters on half-pay.

The Special Study Leave is accrued on top of the standard leave entitlements, giving remote teachers more flexibility in taking time off to further their skills and career. 

Remote Teaching Opportunities in the NT 

Over 70% of schools in the Northern Territory are located in remote areas, serving close to half the Territory’s school-aged population. Remote teaching can be challenging, but also rewarding in many ways - as a remote teacher, you will have opportunities to work collaboratively with Aboriginal Assistant Teachers, communicate in multiple languages, and develop deep connections with the local community. 

Catholic Education Northern Territory (CENT) has five Aboriginal Catholic Community Schools in remote areas such as Wadeye, Wurrumiyanga, Nauiyu, Santa Teresa. Get in touch with our team to learn more about the remote teaching opportunities in the Northern Territory.