Home : About the Pilbara Education District : Schools in the Pilbara :
Teaching in the Pilbara
The Pilbara Education District offers teachers unique, challenging and deeply satisfying teaching opportunities in the relaxed Pilbara lifestyle. For new and experienced teachers alike, the Pilbara has a great deal to offer, both personally and professionally. With the Department of Education dedicated to student learning, equity, excellence and care, Pilbara schools receive extra support to counter the problems of distance. The district has 31 schools with over 8000 students and more than 500 staff. There are three broad types of schools represented:
Remote Schools
These schools offer teaching staff the chance to use professional initiative with enthusiastic students. Teachers learn about Aboriginal cultures and how to adapt teaching styles for their students. A special package of financial benefits under the Remote Teaching Service (RTS) is available to educators teaching in some of these schools . The remote schools include Yandeyarra RCS, Jigalong RCS, Marble Bar PS, Nullagine PS and Onslow PS.
Inland Schools
Excellent facilities are provided by mining companies in many inland schools. They are friendly communities for bringing up children. The schools have first rate resources and the children are great to teach. Inland schools are based in the mining towns of Newman, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica.
Coastal Schools
These schools are very popular with teaching staff keen to enjoy the Pilbara lifestyle and the friendly, well-resourced schools. Coastal Schools are located in Port Hedland, Dampier, Exmouth, Karratha, Roebourne and Wickham.
Further information about a teaching career with the Department of Education can be found at this link:
Coming to the Pilbara District
Car Travel
If you are bringing a vehicle to the Pilbara the following suggestions may be useful:
Make sure your car is roadworthy.
Get it serviced locally prior to heading north as many products and services are more expensive in the Pilbara.
Pay particular attention to the cooling system, suspension and tyres.
Two spare tyres are recommended, especially as there are many roads still gravel.
Air conditioning and tinted windows are advisable.
Always carry adequate water and supplies. You may be stranded for many hours due to breakdown or flash flooding.
Housing
Accommodation is provided by the Government Employees Housing Authority (GEHA). Housing in the Pilbara is generally well maintained, air conditioned and furnished. Details of the allocation should be available when you receive your posting. The GEHA Office for the towns of Karratha, Dampier, Wickham, Roebourne, Onslow, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Exmouth is located in Karratha (08) 91 444 213. Port Hedland area GEHA office is (08) 91 402187. A GEHA Tenant's Handbook is available from the GEHA office. It will inform you of what you're entitled to and what your responsibilities are.
Housing Liaison Officers are available in large centres to assist you. It is essential you ring them at least one week prior to your departure to inform them about arrival times and what accommodation you have been allocated. They can assist you with airport pickup and keys. If you are unaware of whether a Housing Liaison Officer is available, contact your Principal, the Housing Section (08) 9264 4486 or the Pilbara Education District Office (08) 91850 111.