A move to the country?

One of the benefits of teaching is that it is one of the few careers where you will find jobs all across the country, from the large towns and cities to small rural villages and coastal communities.

Where you choose to teach can make a big difference. There is a demand for teachers in many areas, but there is greater demand outside the central belt of the country where competition for jobs can be higher.

As well as providing a break from the hustle and bustle, choosing to teach in a more rural area can have implications for the role. These schools have an important part to play in the heart of the community, and often provide more opportunities for teachers to take on additional responsibilities.

"I really love that I’m teaching in Aberdeenshire which is more rural, and I live in Aberdeen city. I really feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds. We have the beauty of the mountains and the outdoor centre, but it’s also not far away from the things that you need.
Most of the students also commute in to the school from the surrounding areas as we have a large catchment area, and as lot of teachers and pupils share this experience it means that most of the extra-curricular activities are scheduled over lunchtime, which we have extended to be able accommodate these, so we have time for lunch and to attend a club."Simone Coetser – Business Studies teacher at Meldrum Academy in Aberdeenshire

The preference-waiver payment also provides a financial incentive when considering where in Scotland to teach. The payment gives teacher a financial incentive in return for being open to where they are posted in their probation year.

For those teaching in the most remote areas, the Remote Schools Allowance and Distant Islands Allowance are paid in addition to the teacher’s normal salary.