Teachers in the Western Desert, WA, 2026

Teachers in the Western Desert, WA, 2026

A unique multi-campus school operating across remote Aboriginal communities in the Ngaanyatjarra region of Western Australia is seeking teachers in early years, primary and secondary across its eight campuses for 2026. Spanning over 250,000 square kilometres near the borders of South Australia and the Northern Territory, the school's campuses are located throughout the Western Desert. Teaching and learning are deeply embedded in the local culture and languages of the Ngaanyatjarra people, with a strong commitment to providing an education that reflects and supports the identities, knowledge, and aspirations of Aboriginal students. This vast area encompasses eleven Aboriginal communities, with a combined population of around 2,000 people. Predominant languages include Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, and Pintupi/Luritja. This is a rare opportunity to live and work in a remote community while being part of a wider, collaborative network.

You will support a Two-Way learning model that values both Aboriginal and Western knowledge systems—helping students be "strong in culture and smart in the Western way." English is taught as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D), and the curriculum includes programs such as Two-Way Science, Big Picture Education, Letters and Sounds, and Cadets WA Bush Rangers. These initiatives promote learning that is locally relevant and nationally aligned—preparing students for life on Country as well as broader Australian opportunities.

You'll be supported by a comprehensive, integrated curriculum that rotates every three years and is based on Australian Curriculum Science and Humanities themes. A key feature is Yarnangu Connections, a community-led curriculum devised by Yarnangu educators and community members and delivered in collaboration with Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers (AIEOs) and local community members. You will work alongside a Curriculum Coordinator and a Cultural Curriculum Coordinator, with strong support for planning, cross-cultural learning, and language development.

This role requires cultural responsiveness, a collaborative mindset, and a willingness to engage deeply with students, families, and community members. You'll embrace a perspective that values Indigenous ways of knowing, learning, and teaching. Teachers also have the opportunity to participate in significant cultural events such as the annual Dust Up, where all campuses come together for camping, storytelling, and community connection.

Each community offers a variety of services and facilities such as stores, youth centres, creative arts centres, women's centres, art galleries, churches, workshops, garages, swimming pools, football ovals, halls, police stations, clinics, roadhouses, and airstrips.

These are full-time positions commencing 2026, with a strong possibility of extending. Opportunities are open across campuses and year levels, with early years, primary, and secondary teachers encouraged to apply. There may be opportunities to begin earlier from Term 4, 2025. There are also employment opportunities for accompanying partners in roles such as maintenance, gardening, classroom support, and administration. Both experienced teachers and graduates are welcome. Reach out and let us know what you're looking for and we'll let you know about each role available that may suit

The Perks
The school will provide the following benefits:

- Salary between $85,610 - $124,016.
- Country Teaching Program Allowance of $20,870, paid pro-rata fortnightly.
- Locality allowance of $2,734 a year, paid pro-rata fortnightly.
- Attraction and Retention payment of $2,500 (this was the amount for 2025, however waiting for confirmation for 2026).
- Fully subsidised basic furnished accommodation - mostly private. There are options for families.
- Relocation (within WA for more than a term, or interstate for more than 12 months).
- Air Conditioner subsidy.
- Ability to salary sacrifice.
- Pets considered.

All benefits to be finalised with the employer.

Footprint Placements will provide benefits to assist you in your transition to remote life including,

- Trauma Responsive Practice in Education with the Australian Childhood Foundation.
- Cultural Competency training with the Stronger Smarter Institute (one term+ contracts).
- First aid certification (6 month+ contracts).

What you/'ll need to succeed
Registered (or ability to) with TRBWA, a WA Working With Children check, in addition to,

- Bachelor of Education degree or equivalent (early years qualification if applying for kindy role).
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of the curriculum, with the ability to adapt and align teaching methods to effectively meet school programs.
- Willingness to foster connections in an intercultural environment, facilitating strong collaboration and communication, to achieve optimal educational outcomes.
- Excellent communicator with students, colleagues and families.
- Ability to plan, prepare, deliver and assess teaching and learning programs to meet the diverse characteristics, needs and learning styles of students.
- A collaborative team player, adept at working alongside school staff and engaging with the broader community while demonstrating respect and support.
- Proficiency in implementing appropriate behaviour management strategies to foster and maintain a supportive and conducive learning environment.
- Possess a high level of interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with staff members and implement whole school approaches within the school/'s business and operational plans.

How to Apply
Interested? We would love you to provide a CV with a LinkedIn profile (if you possess) and apply via our website, www.footprintplacements.com.au. Do you have a question? Email hello@footprintplacements.com.au.

Looking forward to receiving your resume

Candidates must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work.

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