It's early December. Schools are winding down. Teachers are exhausted. End-of-year events are filling calendars. 

If you're still searching for a Term 1 2026 teaching role, you might be wondering: Is it even worth applying for positions right now? Or has the hiring window closed until January? 

Here's the honest answer: 

Some Schools Are Still Hiring — But Not All 

The reality: 

• Some schools have finalised their Term 1 staffing and won't make new decisions until January 
• Other schools are actively trying to finalise last positions before leadership breaks for Christmas 
• Some schools will have unexpected vacancies emerge in December or January (resignations, visa issues, late retirements) 

What this means for you: 

Don't give up completely, but don't expect the same volume of opportunities as October/November. December hiring is selective, not systemic. 

What's Actually Happening in Schools Right Now 

Early December (Now): 

• Leadership teams are closing out their priority positions 
• Some schools are conducting final interviews for roles they've been trying to fill 
• Administrative staff are wrapping up contracts and paperwork 
• Principals are focused on end-of-year events, reports, and transitions 

Mid-December: 

• Most schools close for the year 
• Hiring decisions slow significantly 
• Some positions remain open but won't progress until January 

January: 

• Schools reopen, and staffing situations are reassessed 
• Unexpected vacancies emerge (teachers who resign over the break, visa delays, changed circumstances) 
• New hiring activity begins for the remaining gaps 

Should You Keep Applying? 

Yes, if: 

• You're flexible about location (regional/remote roles have longer hiring timelines) 
• You're qualified for hard-to-fill positions (STEM, languages, special education) 
• You're willing to take fixed-term or maternity cover contracts 
• You're registered and available to start immediately in Term 1 

Maybe wait until January if: 

• You're only interested in metro, permanent, primary generalist roles (high competition) 
• You need time to complete registration or relocate 
• You're mentally exhausted and need a break before engaging with the process 

What to Do Right Now 

If you're actively searching: 

1. Check current opportunities — Some schools are still interviewing: www.harke.com.au/jobseekers 
2. Make sure your application materials are ready — Updated CV, current references, registration details 
3. Register your interest with HARKE — We track positions that open in December and January 
4. Set up job alerts — So you're notified when new roles post 
5. Stay flexible — The best December/January opportunities often go to teachers who can be flexible about start dates, contract types, or locations 

If you need a break: 

That's completely valid. Take December to rest, and re-engage in mid-January when schools are back and hiring activity picks up again. 

The Bottom Line 

December hiring happens, but it's unpredictable. Some teachers land great roles in these final weeks. Others wait until January when things stabilise. 

Our advice: Keep your options open, but don't stress if December is quiet. January often brings a fresh wave of opportunities as schools reassess their needs. 

Browse current opportunities: www.harke.com.au/jobseekers 

Register for updates: Contact our team, and we'll notify you when relevant roles become available. 

Exploring teaching opportunities for 2026? Get in touch: www.harke.com.au