About the program

Through the department's International Teacher Exchange Program, you could swap teaching positions and personal accommodation with a similarly placed overseas teacher for one year, commencing in January.

Our teacher exchange team recently co-ordinates exchanges to Canada, the United States of America and European International Schools, when available.

How it works

Applications are assessed on the basis of the selection criteria, professional experience, anticipated assignment for the exchange counterpart and your preferences, including location and accommodation requests.

After the closing date, the teacher exchange team will suggest possible placements to the Principals of selected applicants. If the exchange is accepted by the school, the placement will be offered to the applicant. The exchange will also need to be accepted by the overseas parties as well as the department.

Priority is given to exchange participants who are highly recommended by their Principal / Director.

Both unsuccessful and successful applicants will be notified of the outcome via email once the selection and matching process are complete.

Salary

Exchange classroom teachers receive their normal salary.

However, if you currently hold an executive or principal position and exchange to a lower executive or classroom teacher, you will receive the salary applicable to that level.

Accomodation

Accommodation is swapped, or provision is otherwise arranged which is suitable to both exchange participants.

Accommodation and vehicle exchange arrangements are entirely the responsibility of the exchange participants. The swapping of vehicles is not recommended.

Eligibility criteria

To apply, you will need to satisfy all of the following criteria:

1. Currently a permanent, full-time Department of Education (DoE) classroom teacher, executive staff member or principal
2. Minimum 5 years full-time equivalent teaching experience with the DoE prior to the commencement of the exchange (through casual, part-time and/or full-time work)
3. Willing to teach with the DoE for at least 12 months following the exchange
4. Willing to prepare and present a two-page research brief on an educational topic chosen by the department (e.g. professional development, school policies and procedures, teaching and learning).
5. Agree to comply with Terms and Conditions (PDF) of the exchange program.

Getting selected

To be considered for an exchange, teachers and executive staff will require the
endorsement of their Principal, and Principals who apply will require the endorsement of their Director.

Exchange selection is a competitive process. Applicants will be considered on their merit with preference being given to teachers who have:

• Demonstrated exceptional practice, priority is given to exchange participants who are highly recommended by their Principal / Director.
• A strong recommendation from their principal / director around their professional and personal suitability for an exchange.

Further information

• Terms and Conditions (PDF) for detailed information on the program.
• Frequently asked questions - FAQs.

Talk to us

If you have questions please contact our teacher exchange team:

• Phone 02 7814 3820
• Email exchangeprograms@det.nsw.edu.au.