How To Become A Teacher In Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a teacher? If so, you may want to work in early childhood education, specialise in music, or become a high school English teacher.

If you are drawn towards the diverse career opportunities offered by the education industry and enthusiastic about inspiring the future generation of Australians, becoming a teacher is the right choice.

The post below will discuss everything you need to become a teacher in Australia to make your dream come true.

1 . What Do Early Childhood Teachers Do?

Early childhood educators teach young children, prepare numeracy and literacy classes, and build a child's confidence via creative activities such as drama, storytelling, and art. They help children with special needs acquire social skills and ensure they are a part of the curriculum.

The critical aspects of this role also include keeping track of and reporting the child's growth and interacting with their parents.

Overall, early childhood teachers foster self-expression, interest in learning, and a sense of individuality in each child. To work as an early childhood teacher in Australia, you will need a relevant tertiary qualification.

Early childhood teachers usually work in government-run preschools, community kindergartens, and childcare centres. Additionally, they monitor, assess, and report a child's progress, help them with personal hygiene, and ensure their health and safety.

Early childhood educators also supervise children in the playground and classroom and work to resolve conflicts and disciplinary concerns positively. They may work with experts, such as child psychologists and speech pathologists.

2. Major Duties and Tasks of Early Childhood Teachers

• Devise learning programs

• Supervise children on excursions

• Structure art and craft activities

• Encourage diversity

• Comfort sick or distressed children

3. What Do Primary School Teachers Do?

Primary school teachers in Australia teach students between 5 to 12 years of age, generally from Year 1 through Year 6. They follow a government-mandated curriculum that aims to improve children's literacy and numeracy skills while fostering social and emotional development. 

Some subjects taught by a primary school teacher include English, math, technology, physics, social science and humanities, arts, and health and physical education.

Primary School Teachers engage children in the learning process using various techniques and technologies, depending on their age, level of ability, and individual requirements.

They assist students in developing their problem-solving skills and creative and reasoning abilities, allowing them to prepare for high school education.

Primary school teachers also regularly assess and evaluate their students' development and update administrators and parents.

4. Major Duties and Tasks of a Primary School Teacher

• Prepare long-term and daily lesson plans as per the curriculum guidelines.

• Use computers to assist with teaching, lesson preparation, and reporting.

• Teach various subjects, including personal development, technology, health and physical education, science, English (writing, reading, listening, and speaking), mathematics, creative arts, society and environment.

• Discuss educational issues and take part in joint-discussion making.

• Carry out administrative duties.

• Help with organising school concerts, sporting activities, and excursions.

• Attend staff meetings, development sessions, and other training programmes.

• Maintain and develop discipline in classrooms and good working habits.

• Discuss students' concerns and progress with administrators and parents.

• Supervise students during classes, breaks, and at other times in school.

• Develop children's coordination, abilities, and interests by indulging them in creative activities like music, art, and sports.

• Attend and prepare for parent-teacher meetings and other events.

• Evaluate and assess students' progress in oral and written work. 

5. What Do Secondary School Teachers Do?

Secondary school teachers assist students with their academic growth and progression through high school.

They help create a welcoming school environment, which can sometimes be challenging, especially when working with teenagers. Teachers in secondary schools may even use lesson plans to teach specific topics to students.

They also ensure that their teaching techniques, lectures, and assignments comply with their state's or territory's curricular standards. You will require a relevant tertiary qualification to become a secondary school teacher in Australia.

Furthermore, secondary school teachers may opt to work exclusively with senior or younger students within the high school and specialise in one or more subjects. Teachers at secondary schools also provide homework, organise lessons, grade students' work, and interact with guardians and parents. 

They work in a setting that encourages creativity and critical thinking and provides students with the assistance and guidance required to work harder.

6. Major Duties and Tasks of a Secondary School Teacher

• Prepare long-term teaching programmes and daily lessons per state or territory guidelines and curriculum.

• Conduct exams, tests, assignments, projects, and homework.

• Correct and mark assessments, and sort the results.

• Coordinate the work of non-teaching staff in schools and administrative support programs.

• Supervise extra classes during the absence of teachers.

• Use information technology to assist with teaching, lesson preparation, and reporting.

• Network with other teachers.

• Participate in activities like school council and parent-teacher nights in partnership with the school committee and parents.

• Carry out relevant administrative duties.

• Teach using different techniques, including experiments, formal lessons, excursions and assignments, practical activities, discussions, and projects, and considering the differences between individual students. 

• Coordinate industry programs.

• Supervise students in the yard during breaks or lunchtime.

• Collaborate with other staff members to update the school's policies and curriculum, meet government initiatives, and cater to the changing students' needs.

• Attend educational conferences, staff meetings, and other professional development activities.

• Report and evaluate students' progress, and discuss individual concerns and performance with both parents and students.

• Participate in distance education (for instance, teaching using television transmission, radio, audiovisual, correspondence, and other multimedia resources).

• Help with organising camping trips, sporting events, and other excursions.

• Establish and maintain discipline throughout the school, including good working habits.

7. How to Become an Early Childhood Teacher in Australia?

When it comes to developing a child's social skills, language, numeracy, and vocabulary, early childhood teachers (ECTs) have a crucial role to play. ECTs often need specialised qualifications due to the fragile nature of young children. These qualifications may include the following:

• Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

The NQF (National Quality Framework) has established a national standard of care for children not enrolled in school (aged five and under) or primary school children registered under out-of-school-hours care. 

According to the NQF, you must have an authorised diploma-level certification in education to work in a centre-based education and care service with preschool or kindergarten children.

Additionally, depending on the state or territory in which you intend to teach, you may also be required to complete teacher accreditation or registration.

8. How To Become a Primary School Teacher In Australia

Primary school teachers in Australia teach Prep, Kindergarten, and Year 1 to Year 6 students — children aged between 5 and 12 years. The minimum education qualification to become a primary school teacher in Australia is completing a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years. 

Upon completing your studies, you must apply for teaching registration to become a fully qualified teacher.

Here are some common steps you must follow to become a primary school teacher:

• Step 1: To gain the knowledge and skills to teach topics and understand and engage kids, you must complete a primary education degree, such as a Bachelor of Education (Primary). Scheduled work placements may also provide you with valuable experience.

• Step 2: You can also go for a postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Teaching focusing on Primary Education, if you already hold a Bachelor's degree in another discipline. This will allow you to gain significant work experience and excel in your field.

• Step 3: You must register yourself with your state's Teacher Registration Authority to find work in a school and become a qualified teacher. Get in touch with your state's relevant authority for additional information on the specific criteria for registration.

9. How To Become a Secondary School Teacher in Australia?

Regardless of the state or territory you choose to teach in, you will need a suitable tertiary degree to become a secondary school teacher in Australia.

Secondary school teachers are responsible for teaching students in Years 7 through 12, who are generally between the ages of 12 and 18. These typically include four-year courses for individuals with a good Universities Admission Index (UAI) score and who have completed Year 12. The courses combine practical and theory to give a well-rounded teaching experience. 

Here are some common steps you can take to become a secondary school teacher in Australia:

• Step 1: Obtain a bachelor's degree in the area of education. This usually incorporates a Bachelor of Education (Secondary). You can also complete a two-year Master of Teaching. It is for students who have previously attained tertiary qualifications.

• Step 2: You must fill out an application for teacher registration in your state to start working as a secondary school teacher.

Note: Secondary school teachers can advance their careers in various ways, including leading teachers, special education teachers, principals, or assistant principals.

10. How Long Does It Take To Become A Teacher in Australia?

It may take six years to become a teacher in Australia if you get both an undergraduate and postgraduate degree. You may also require one or two years of classroom experience as a teacher.

Whether you are teaching kindergarten, primary, or secondary schools, the minimum qualification to become a teacher in Australia is completing a bachelor's degree, which may take up to four years.

You must apply for and maintain teacher accreditation or registration once you have completed your teaching degree. This occurs with the appropriate state or territorial body.

11. Can You Become a Teacher Without a Teaching Degree in Australia?

You must get a university degree to work as a teacher in Australia. There are two common pathways you can follow to qualify as a teacher:

• Completing a four-year teaching degree allows you to become a primary or early childhood school teacher and, sometimes, a secondary school teacher.

• You can also undertake an undergraduate degree in a specific discipline, such as music or science, combined with a master's degree in education.

12. What Is The Quickest Way To Become a Teacher in Australia?

In general, it takes four to five years to become a teacher unless you wish to work in one of the states where you require a master's degree to become a teacher. 

This timeline also implies that you can plan to major in education and complete your bachelor's degree in four years.

13. How Much Does a Teacher Earn in Australia?

A teacher's salary in Australia may vary, depending on whether the school is private or public, the subjects taught, years of experience, and more.

However, according to Payscale, the average salary for a primary school teacher in Australia is AU$69,849, and the average salary for a secondary school teacher is AU$72,520.

Now that you've learnt how to become a teacher in Australia, you are ready to embark on your teaching journey!

Useful Links to Explore:

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• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
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• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
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• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
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