The 2019 teacher transfer process
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 124 No 2, 15 March 2019, page no. 21
Although we are still in term one, it is timely to discuss the transfer process, which began in February.
Departmental email
In the week beginning 25 February, the department sent an email to teachers in transfer rating one and two schools who have not undertaken rural and/or remote service. It invites them to consider doing so and to engage with case managers and regional staffing officers to discuss a possible transfer and a guaranteed right of return to one of two or three geographic areas of preference.
Although the email was also received by teachers who have undertaken rural and/or remote service, they can ignore it unless they are interested in another rural and/or remote posting.
Guaranteed transfer pilot
In 2019, a pilot of the guaranteed transfer process will guarantee teachers who have undertaken the minimum service in six or seven point schools and teachers in four or five point schools with 20 or more transfer points a transfer to either one of two geographic areas (teachers in AMP centres) or one of three geographic areas (for other teachers). These parameters were applied late last year to teachers who had applied for transfer, and the guarantee was met. In 2019, the department will be working with teachers who meet the pilot parameters to again ensure the guarantee is met.
2019 transfer application process
The department has provided the following information about the 2019 process. Please note the dates are yet to be confirmed.
Every year in term two, the department of education opens the annual teacher transfer system for applications from eligible teachers seeking to relocate for the next school year.
In 2019, the system will be open for applications from 29 April until 7 June; with transfer notifications being released on 19 September 2019.
All permanent teachers who have completed their probation are encouraged to apply. Gaining experience across different school settings not only increases your proficiency and expertise but creates a foundation for future leadership roles and could even accelerate your career.
Continuing from last year:
- You can attach your CV to your application.
- If you transfer from your current school to a school with a transfer rating of 4 to 7, you will be eligible for a guaranteed transfer at the end of your minimum service period. The guarantee is to one of three chosen geographic areas and if your school is in an AMP community, the guarantee is to one of two chosen geographic areas.
- Expressions of preference continue for professional development movements.
If you are interested in transferring, make sure you submit your application early. Submitting the application early in the process will allow the receiving regions more time to identify and create vacancies for teachers returning from the completion of rural or remote service.
QTU advice
As in previous years, the QTU recommends that members who are interested in undertaking rural and/or remote service engage with the department and respond to the email. Members interested in the guaranteed transfer process and wishing to return to a specific region or geographic area should obtain clear advice from departmental officers about what service will deliver a transfer to their preferred area or areas. For example, three years in a four-point school will not usually guarantee a transfer to the Sunshine Coast geographic area.
Members who are currently in rural/remote areas and are applying for transfer should note that they can only apply for geographic areas, not specific schools. In 2019, a teacher’s application for transfer will be considered by the regional officers and all the principals in the nominated preferred geographic areas. There will be no preference in school selection based on IPS status. In addition, teachers who have completed their rural/remote service and meet the guaranteed transfer pilot parameters mentioned above will be guaranteed a transfer to a school in one of two or three geographic areas.
If you have questions about the process, contact the Queensland Teachers' Assist Desk (QTAD) on 1300 11 7823 in the first instance.