Navigating High School Teacher Applications Across Australia’s States and Territories 

Applying for a high school teaching position in Australia can feel overwhelming when you realise that each state and territory has its own set of rules and processes. Unlike some professions with national standards, teaching job applications are largely governed by state-based teacher regulatory authorities, each with slightly different requirements. Australia has eight jurisdictions – each with a different body overseeing teacher registration and (often) unique application guidelines. This means that while the core principle of demonstrating your merit against selection criteria is similar nationwide, the specific format, wording, length, and submission requirements can vary significantly from one state/territory to another.

 

Different States, Different Requirements

Each Australian state and territory has its own teacher regulatory authority that sets the tone for how teachers become accredited and how they apply for jobs. For example, New South Wales teachers are accredited through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), Victoria has the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), Queensland uses the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), and so on for each jurisdiction. These bodies ensure teachers meet professional standards, but they also influence the job application process – particularly for government (public) school positions in their region.

While these authorities handle teacher registration (licensing), the job application requirements in each state/territory’s Department of Education can differ. In essence, if you’re applying for a high school teaching job in Sydney vs. Melbourne vs. Brisbane, you’ll likely need to prepare slightly different application documents. All will want to see that you’re a qualified, competent teacher – but how you prove that on paper (or online) will not be exactly the same.

So what are the common elements? Typically, a high school teaching application will involve a resume and some form of written statement addressing selection criteria or standards. You’ll need to show you meet the role’s requirements through examples of your experience – which is where the STAR method comes in (more on that soon). The differences lie in format: some states want a separate selection criteria document, others use a cover letter or a “statement of claims,” and they all have different page or word limits.

Before diving into the specific differences by state, let’s clarify the STAR approach, since it’s mentioned often and is a recommended strategy across all jurisdictions.

 

The STAR Method for Selection Criteria

No matter where you apply, you will likely need to address selection criteria – i.e., explain how you meet certain requirements or have certain skills. The STAR method is a widely used framework to structure your responses effectively. STAR stands for:

• • • •  Situation: Describe the context of your example. What was the situation, and when/where did it occur?

• • • • Task: Explain what task or challenge you faced, or what your role was in that situation.

• • • • Action: Detail the actions you took to address the task or situation. This is the most important part – be specific about what you did (not just the team or school).

• • • • Result: Share the outcomes or results of your actions. What happened as a result of your action, and how does it reflect positively on your capabilities?.

Using STAR helps ensure your answers are concrete and evidence-based. For example, instead of just saying “I have strong classroom management skills,” you provide a STAR response that briefly narrates a time you handled a difficult class (Situation/Task), what strategies you implemented (Action), and how it improved student behaviour or learning outcomes (Result). This method keeps your writing focused on real achievements and impacts, which is exactly what selection panels want to see.

Most Education Departments expect STAR-type responses and here at the Resume Boss, we are aware how these differ. In NSW you might be writing multiple pages addressing specific selection criteria for that school, whereas in QLD you’d write a general cover letter, and in WA or ACT you frame everything around the national teaching standards.

Despite these differences, remember that the goal is the same: to convince the hiring panel that you are an excellent teacher who meets their criteria and will be a great fit for their school. It’s a matter of packaging your information in the format they prefer.

Tips for Tackling Selection Criteria (and Surviving the Process)

Writing applications addressing selection criteria is hard – there’s no sugar-coating it. Many teachers (even experienced ones) find it challenging to trim their experience into these specific formats. You might have years of accomplishments, but now you need to decide which one or two examples best illustrate, say, your “ability to implement high-impact teaching strategies” or your “strong interpersonal and communication skills.”

Here are some general tips to help, regardless of where you’re applying:

• • • • Follow the Guidelines: First and foremost, read the application instructions for the particular job very carefully. Each Department of Education typically publishes guidelines or at least gives directions in the job ad. If they say “max 2 pages” or “max 1000 words,” – make sure you stick to it! Adhering to format shows you can follow instructions – an important trait for any employee.

    
    

    • • Use STAR to Structure Responses: As discussed, employ the STAR method when writing about your experiences. This ensures you actually address what the criterion is asking for. By doing so, you’re demonstrating your skill rather than just claiming it.

    
    

    • • Be Specific and Quantify Results: Whenever possible, include specific details and quantifiable outcomes. Did literacy scores improve by 15% after you introduced a new program? Mention that. Did you mentor 3 new teachers at your school? Note it. Specifics make your application more credible and memorable.

    
    

    • • Research the School (Especially for Cover Letters/Positioning Statements): If you’re writing a cover letter or a positioning statement (as in SA) tailored to a school, do a bit of homework on that school. What values or special programs do they emphasise? If the school, for example, has a strong STEM focus or an Aboriginal education program, and you have relevant experience or passion in that area, make sure to mention it. Showing that you understand the school’s context can set you apart.

    
    

    • • Don’t Recycle Blindly – Tailor! It’s tempting to reuse the exact same content for multiple applications. While you can certainly repurpose some material, always tailor it to the specific criteria and format required.

    
    

    • • Seek Feedback: If you have colleagues or mentors, ask someone to review your draft application. A fresh set of eyes can catch unclear phrasing or highlight if you haven’t actually answered a criterion fully. Especially for your first couple of applications, feedback is invaluable. Some states even encourage applicants to seek feedback from panel chairs if unsuccessful – that can help you improve next time.

    Finally, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Given how complex and varied these applications are, many teachers turn to professional services or experienced mentors for help – and there’s no shame in that. If you find yourself struggling to decipher what a criterion is asking for, or how to squeeze everything into one page, an expert in education resumes and selection criteria can be a lifesaver.

    
    

    Leveraging Expert Help (When You Need It)

    At the end of the day, what matters is that your application shows you at your best. If you’re a great teacher but your application doesn’t do you justice, that is a lost opportunity. Crafting a strong application is a skill in itself, one that even seasoned educators find challenging due to the ever-changing requirements across states.

    This is where The Resume Boss can step in to support you. We have extensive experience with teacher applications in all Australian states and territories. We stay up-to-date on the latest guidelines… Because we’ve worked with high school teachers from Sydney to Perth and everywhere in between, we know the nuances that make each jurisdiction unique!

    Most importantly, we know how to showcase your unique experiences and strengths in a way that aligns with what each state’s hiring panels are looking for. Our expertise spans all regions – and our results speak for themselves. The teachers we’ve helped have landed roles across the country, and their positive feedback and success stories (our reviews speak for themselves!) demonstrate the value of having a skilled coach on your side.

    Good luck with your applications, and remember: every state has its own way of asking, but they’re all ultimately looking for the same thing – great teachers. So if you’re ready to put your best foot forward and take the stress out of your next teaching application, get in touch today — we’d love to help!