From City to Country: How Teacher Demand Differs Across Australia
Inspired Recruitment • September 30, 2025
Australia’s Schools at a Crossroads
Teacher demand is one of the most pressing challenges in education today. Across Australia, more than 4 million students rely on their schools to provide stability, learning and guidance every day. Yet finding the right teacher for every classroom is becoming increasingly complex. The challenge is not just about numbers, it is about geography.
While schools in major cities are navigating an oversupply of applicants in some areas and fierce competition in others, many regional and rural schools are struggling to attract any candidates at all. The uneven spread of demand means some classrooms are left uncovered, while others see a revolving door of staff. The consequences for students, teachers and school leaders are real and immediate.
At Inspired Recruitment, we work exclusively with the education sector. This focus gives us a unique perspective on how demand differs across the country, and how tailored recruitment strategies can make the difference between an ongoing vacancy and a successful long term placement.
The Urban Advantage
In Australia’s capital cities and larger metropolitan centres, schools often attract a wider pool of applicants. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane remain hubs where teachers are more likely to live and train, meaning schools have quicker access to potential candidates.
But more choice does not always make the process easier. For city schools, the challenge often lies in identifying cultural fit. Teachers can move between schools if the environment, leadership style or support systems do not meet their expectations. This means principals need to prioritise hiring educators who not only meet curriculum requirements but also align with the values of their school community.
Retention is the key pressure point in metro areas. With teachers able to move more freely, a poor appointment can result in higher turnover, further recruitment costs and disruption to students. This is why more city based schools are partnering with education recruitment specialists like Inspired Recruitment - to ensure the right match is made from the outset.
The Regional and Rural Challenge
For regional and rural schools, the challenge is very different. Data from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership highlights that shortages are far sharper outside major cities. Principals often report limited applications, particularly in high demand areas such as STEM, special education and leadership roles.
Vacancies in regional areas can remain unfilled for months. In the meantime, classes may be covered by teachers outside their main subject area or by a revolving roster of relief staff. This impacts continuity for students and adds pressure to existing teachers, many of whom are already managing significant workloads. According to the Independent Education Union, more than a quarter of full time teachers in Australia are working over 60 hours a week. For regional schools, ongoing vacancies only add to this load.
Relocation is another hurdle. Teachers considering a move to regional areas often need additional support, whether through housing, community integration or professional development opportunities. Without these supports, schools can struggle to compete with metropolitan counterparts.
The Impact on Students and Schools
The consequences of these geographic differences are felt most directly in the classroom. In metro schools, high turnover affects consistency. Students can struggle when new teachers are regularly introduced, and morale can suffer among staff. In regional schools, the absence of qualified teachers impacts curriculum delivery, particularly in specialist subjects, and increases reliance on temporary solutions.
For school leaders, this creates a balancing act. Recruitment is not just about filling a vacancy quickly, it is about securing the right teacher who will stay, contribute positively to school culture, and make a lasting difference for students.
How Inspired Recruitment Bridges the Gap
As a recruitment agency focused solely on the education sector, Inspired Recruitment understands the unique pressures schools face in both metro and regional contexts. Our networks extend nationally, which means we can help regional schools access teachers who are open to relocation, while also connecting city schools with educators who align with their values and long term vision.
We manage the process end to end, from advertising and shortlisting through to pre screening and interview coordination. This reduces the administrative load for principals and ensures that every candidate presented is not only qualified but suited to the specific needs of the school.
Most importantly, we recognise that every day a vacancy is left open has an impact on students. By tailoring recruitment strategies to geography and school culture, we help reduce vacancy times, improve retention and give schools confidence in their staffing decisions.
The Road Ahead for Australian Schools
Teacher demand will continue to look different across Australia. City schools will keep competing for cultural fit, while country schools will continue working to attract teachers willing to commit long term.
What remains constant is the need for the right recruitment partner. At Inspired Recruitment, our exclusive focus on education gives schools the support they need to hire smarter and faster. Whether in the heart of a capital city or in a rural community, we help schools find teachers who make an immediate and lasting impact.
Talk to us today about how we can help your school find the right teachers, wherever you are in Australia.
Explore how principals are leading Australia’s education system through change in 2026. Inspired Recruitment shares insights on leadership, wellbeing and workforce planning.
The role of teachers in Australian primary and secondary schools is changing faster than ever. It’s not just about standing at the front of the classroom and delivering content anymore. Expectations, responsibilities and even the skills required are changing for teaching jobs. Influences like technology, student well-being, and broader educational reforms are reshaping what it means to teach today. So, beyond ticking the boxes of teacher skills assessments, what are schools really looking for and what are the key teaching skills in demand? Personalised and Student-Centred Learning One of the biggest changes is the move towards personalised learning. No two students are the same, and schools are recognising that. Teachers are now encouraged to use adaptive digital platforms that adjust lessons to suit each student’s pace, especially in literacy and numeracy. But it doesn’t stop with software. Project-based and inquiry-based learning are on the rise, too. These are approaches that put students in the driver’s seat and help them develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The role of the teacher is more of a facilitator and coach, than a one-size-fits-all instructor. Technology and Digital Tools As we’ve learned from the pandemic, technology has a major role to play in supporting education. Today’s teachers are expected to easily incorporate digital tools into their classrooms, such as interactive learning platforms like Mathletics and Reading Eggs and AI-powered assessment tools . Plus, the ability to shift between in-person, remote, and hybrid teaching is now one of the key teaching skills in demand. Digital literacy is now as fundamental as lesson planning. More Focus on Student Well-Being Teaching has always been about more than academics, but in recent years student well-being has become a central part of the role. Teachers are increasingly seen as frontline supporters of mental health, emotional resilience and social development for their students. Flexible curricula and new approaches to schooling are designed to address diverse student needs, especially important after the disruptions of the last few years. Add to that the growth of home schooling and alternative models, and teachers are now finding new ways to keep students engaged outside the traditional classroom. Emphasis on Professional Growth Gone are the days when professional development was an occasional in-service day with the same PD plan for every teacher. Teachers are now expected to engage in ongoing, self-directed learning, often delivered online and suited to their own professional goals. National standards also encourage teachers to reflect, set goals, and keep their skills sharp, particularly when it comes to digital teaching and adapting to new learning environments. The message is clear: a great teacher never stops learning. Changing Workforce Opportunities While more people are enrolling in teaching courses, retention is still a challenge. High workloads and changing expectations can make it tough to keep good teachers in the classroom. This is especially true in regional schools and for STEM subjects, where shortages remain pressing. At the same time, new initiatives have emerged to provide support for people in teaching jobs, such as the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan , the Engaged Classrooms Initiative , and Teach for Australia’s programs . These are aimed at helping ease teacher workloads, provide better support and create career development pathways. How the Teacher Skill Set Is Evolving At a glance, these are the factors influencing teaching skills in demand:
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