Some schools have problems attracting quality teachers while others make do by having staff teach out of their subject areas. Benefits of country teaching include lifestyle, developing good knowledge of the students and the ability to get involved in school leadership positions.

Universities should encourage students to take a position in a rural school as part of their training. Students are far more likely to apply for a place they know rather than somewhere they have never previously been.

About one quarter of rural teaching positions advertised were not filled this year.

The Department of Education is providing 180 teaching scholarships to rural areas in 2005-2006, 150 of which are for graduating teeachers.