Preparing the Australian Early Childhood Workforce for Rural and Remote Settings: A Review of the Literature

This article presents the findings of a literature review of research on teacher preparation for rural settings. In the past there has been little or no preparation of teachers for rural teaching, with the emphasis placed on supporting beginning teachers once they commenced (Baills, Bell, Greensill & Wilcox, 2002; Howe, 2006); now there is a strong movement to prepare preservice teachers adequately before their first teaching appointment. However, what has become clear is that the focus of research has been predominantly on primary and secondary education. In our search we have not been able to identify a substantial body of literature about the preparation of early childhood educators for rural practice. The discussion considers the relevance of the findings for the early childhood sector, exploring possibilities for future research both in early childhood settings and in teacher education in general in light of government agendas and policy initiatives.