Career Insights: Working at UniSQ's School of Education and Creative Arts

Discovering the Vibrant World of the School of Education and Creative Arts at UniSQ

The School of Education and Creative Arts at the University of Southern Queensland, commonly known as UniSQ, stands as a dynamic hub for aspiring educators and creative professionals. Nestled in the regional heart of Queensland, this school has undergone a significant transformation with UniSQ's recent shift to a streamlined structure of five schools in early 2026. This change aims to foster greater collaboration, innovation, and alignment between teaching, research, and community needs. For those considering a career here, the school offers a unique blend of practice-based learning, transdisciplinary research, and real-world impact, making it an attractive destination for academics, lecturers, and support staff passionate about shaping future teachers and artists.

Whether you're an experienced professor eyeing leadership roles or a recent PhD graduate seeking a lecturer position, working at this school means contributing to programs that prepare students for diverse contexts, from urban classrooms to remote Indigenous communities. The emphasis on reflective practice and hands-on application sets it apart, providing staff with opportunities to innovate in both education and creative fields like visual arts, music, theatre, and film.

Leadership Driving Excellence and Innovation

At the helm is Professor Peter Cook, Head of School and Dean of Education and Creative Arts. His vision emphasizes bold, cross-sectoral research and practice-led inquiry, encouraging staff to generate knowledge through action. Supported by Associate Head of Professional Engagement Associate Professor Ellen Larsen, the leadership team prioritizes community-engaged scholarship and transdisciplinary projects. This structure empowers academics to collaborate across UniSQ's institutes, such as the Institute for Communities and Regional Development, tackling issues like educational equity and cultural enrichment in Queensland's regions.

Key staff profiles reveal a mix of seasoned educators and emerging researchers. For instance, professors specialize in arts education, curriculum pedagogy, and inclusive practices, modeling innovative teaching for students. This leadership fosters a supportive environment where staff can pursue entrepreneurial ideas, such as developing new professional learning programs that reach thousands of educators statewide.

Diverse Career Opportunities Across Disciplines

Careers at the School of Education and Creative Arts span teaching, research, and professional roles. Current openings include Lecturer in Curriculum and Pedagogy for Special Education, focusing on teaching and research in inclusive practices. Other positions like Associate Lecturer in Industrial Technology Education blend vocational expertise with academic delivery. These roles typically require a doctoral qualification for senior levels, teaching experience, and a commitment to online and blended learning modes.

In creative arts, opportunities arise in areas like visual arts technical workshops and performance production. Support staff positions, such as academic advisors or professional engagement coordinators, provide backend support for programs like the Turn to Teach Internship. The school's focus on early childhood, primary, secondary, counselling, special education, and leadership ensures a broad spectrum of specializations. Recent job listings highlight the demand for education specialists who can bridge theory and practice in regional settings.

• Lecturer/Associate Lecturer in Education: Develop curricula, supervise placements, conduct research.
• Creative Arts Academics: Lead studios, exhibitions, and industry partnerships.
• Professional Staff: Manage professional learning events, student success initiatives.

The Work Environment: Collegial and Supportive

Employee feedback paints a picture of a collegial atmosphere at UniSQ. Reviews highlight friendly teams, supportive colleagues, and a casual work environment, particularly in Toowoomba and Springfield campuses. Work-life balance rates highly at around 3.9 out of 5, with flexible hours accommodating research and teaching demands. The regional location offers a lower cost of living compared to Brisbane, enhancing lifestyle appeal.

Cultural aspects include commitment to training and skill development, though some note challenges like institutional changes and limited progression in certain areas. Overall, 48% of employees recommend UniSQ, praising the people-focused culture. Staff appreciate the emphasis on student support, with many describing it as a place where lovely people work hard to help students succeed. Micro-managing exists in pockets, but friendly interactions dominate.

Comprehensive Benefits and Perks

UniSQ offers competitive packages aligned with Australian higher education standards. Salaries for lecturers start around AUD 110,000, with professors exceeding AUD 170,000, plus 17% superannuation. Benefits include generous annual leave (up to 5 weeks), personal/carer's leave, and long service leave. Professional development funding supports conferences, workshops, and sabbaticals.

Health and wellbeing perks feature employee assistance programs, fitness subsidies, and on-campus childcare. Remote work options suit the blended delivery model, ideal for regional staff. Salary packaging options reduce tax, and relocation assistance aids interstate hires. These elements contribute to high graduate employment ratings, with the school boasting 5/5 stars for full-time jobs and top undergraduate starting salaries in Australia.

Professional Development and Growth Pathways

The school invests heavily in staff growth. The PL-Connect program, expanding in 2026 with 33 sessions on topics like AI in education, trauma-informed practice, and First Nations perspectives, exemplifies this. Led by school staff, it connects educators with evidence-based strategies, offering certificates for professional recognition. Internships like Turn to Teach and Trade to Teach provide hands-on mentoring opportunities for academics.

Research leave, grant writing support, and collaborations with industry partners enhance careers. Staff engage in transdisciplinary projects, publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at national conferences. This environment suits those seeking to advance from lecturer to professor, with mentorship programs guiding early-career researchers. For more on professional learning, explore UniSQ's PL-Connect expansion.

Research Opportunities and Impact

Research thrives on practice-based methodologies, from arts-based inquiry to educational interventions in rural areas. Staff contribute to UniSQ institutes, addressing polycrisis in creative education and teacher wellbeing. Recent outputs include scoping reviews on inclusive pedagogies and models for creative arts assessment. Funding from Australian Research Council and government grants supports projects, with staff achieving 5/5 teaching quality ratings.

Collaborations with schools, arts organizations, and international partners amplify impact. Academics publish on disciplinary literacies, online communities, and vocational transitions, positioning the school as a leader in regional higher education. Check the official school page for staff profiles and research highlights.

Embracing Regional Queensland Lifestyle

Toowoomba, the Garden City, offers an affordable, family-friendly base with short commutes and natural beauty. Campuses in Springfield and Ipswich provide urban access. Staff enjoy community events, arts festivals, and proximity to Brisbane. The regional focus aligns with roles supporting rural education, fostering a sense of purpose. Lifestyle perks include lower housing costs (median house AUD 600k vs. Brisbane's 1M) and work-life harmony.

Real Staff Stories and Achievements

Anonymous reviews share successes: one lecturer praised team support during curriculum redesign, another highlighted global placement supervision. Achievements include national teaching awards and high student satisfaction. A creative arts academic noted entrepreneurial freedom in workshop development. These stories underscore a rewarding path for dedicated professionals.

• "Supportive colleagues make heavy workloads manageable."
• "Opportunities to lead innovative programs like PL-Connect."
• "Regional impact through research partnerships."

Glassdoor insights reveal a 3.2 overall rating, with strengths in compensation (3.8) and balance. For detailed reviews, visit Glassdoor.

Navigating the Application Process

Applications go through UniSQ's portal or SEEK listings. Tailor CVs to teaching philosophy, research track record, and regional commitment. Interviews assess pedagogy demos and cultural fit. Prepare for questions on online teaching and inclusive practices. Networking via staff profiles or events boosts chances. Current vacancies emphasize teaching-focused roles with research components.

Photo by Abhinav Anand on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Growth and Transformation

With UniSQ's new schools vision, expect expanded collaborations and funding. Creative arts programs dodge fee hikes, boosting enrolments. Demand for educators in Queensland grows 10% by 2030, per government forecasts. Staff will lead in AI integration, sustainability education, and cultural recovery post-polycrisis. This positions the school for sustained impact.