If you’re interested in becoming a school teacher, you have quite a few options to choose from. There are five main types of teachers in Australia: early childhood, primary, secondary, special education, and tertiary. In addition, specialisations exist within each category.
Let’s explore the different types of teachers in Australia and what you need to do to become one.
Early Childhood
Early childhood teachers work with young children in early childhood settings, such as kindergartens, preschools, and child care centres. They’re responsible for helping children develop important skills and knowledge in the early years of their development, and may work with children aged from birth to around 5 or 6 years old.
Some specific responsibilities of early childhood teachers may include:
- Planning and implementing age-appropriate activities and lessons to promote learning and development in areas such as language, literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional skills
- Observing and assessing children’s development and progress, and keeping records of their learning and development
- Providing a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and play
- Collaborating with colleagues, parents, and other professionals to support children’s learning and development
- Providing nutrition and care for children, including feeding, diaper changing, and supervising nap times
- Managing the daily routine of the early childhood setting, including record keeping, communication with parents, and planning for outings and other events.
To become an early childhood teacher, you typically need to complete a formal qualification in early childhood education. This may be a diploma, bachelor’s degree, or postgraduate degree in early childhood education or a related field.
Many universities and TAFE colleges in Australia offer early childhood education programs, ranging from diploma to bachelor’s degree level. These programs typically include a mix of classroom-based learning, practical placements in early childhood settings, and supervised teaching experience.
You will also need to meet any registration or licensing requirements that apply in your state or territory. These may include completing a working with children check, obtaining first aid and CPR certification, and meeting any other requirements set by the relevant regulatory body.
Primary Teacher
Primary school teachers in Australia work with students in the primary school years, typically ages 5 to 12. They are responsible for teaching a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies, and may work with a single class of students for several years.
In Australia, bachelor’s degree in education is typically required to become a primary school teacher. A bachelor’s degree in education, also known as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), is a professional qualification that prepares students to become teachers in primary or secondary schools. The postgraduate equivalent is a Master of Teaching degree.
A Bachelor of Education degree typically includes coursework in education theory and practice, as well as supervised teaching experience in a school setting. The program may also include studies in a particular subject area, such as English, mathematics, science, or social studies, depending on the student’s area of interest.
Secondary Teacher
Secondary school teachers in Australia work with students in the secondary school years, typically ages 13 to 18. They may specialise in teaching a particular subject, such as English, mathematics, science, or history, and may also be responsible for helping students prepare for exams and transition to further education or the workforce.
As well as classroom teaching, secondary school teachers may have additional responsibilities depending on their school or district, such as leading a particular subject area, coordinating a grade level or program, or participating in school-wide committees or initiatives. They may also be responsible for helping students prepare for exams, such as the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) or the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
To become a secondary school teacher in Australia, you typically need to complete a formal qualification in secondary education. That means completing a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching degree, preferably with a Secondary Education specialisation.
Special Education
Special education teachers work with students who have learning difficulties or disabilities, helping them to access the curriculum and achieve their full potential. They may work with students of all ages, from early childhood to secondary school, and may use a range of approaches and strategies to support students with different needs.
These teachers may potentially deal with students with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, developmental, and behavioural disabilities.
Any qualified teacher may work in special education. To become a specialist in the field, you may be advantaged by earning a Masters in Education with a major in special ed. You can study for this degree online. Students complete 12 subjects in the area of Special Education, with topics such as autism, and relationships between mental health and learning.
Tertiary Teacher
Tertiary teachers are educators who work at colleges and universities. They’re responsible for teaching students at the post-secondary level, which includes undergraduate and graduate programs.
Tertiary teachers may also be involved in research and may be required to publish their work in academic journals. In addition to teaching, tertiary teachers may also be responsible for developing course materials, grading assignments and exams, and providing academic advice and support to students.
To become a tertiary teacher in Australia, you typically need to have a strong educational background, including a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a master’s or doctoral degree in the subject you wish to teach.
To apply for a position as a tertiary teacher, you will typically need to submit a resume, cover letter, and transcripts of your academic qualifications. You may also be required to provide letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a teaching portfolio that showcases your teaching experience and accomplishments.
Other Types of Teachers
The list we’ve gone through is not exhaustive. Other types of teachers exist. According to Mallory, other teaching opportunities include becoming a Catholic school teacher, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, or a Vocational Education and Training (VET) instructor. Within the school system, you can also be a school principal, casual or relief teacher, or a teacher aide.