Teacher - Secondary

Secondary school teachers teach one or more subjects within the school curriculum to secondary students.

Subjects include English, mathematics, science, art, health and physical education, technology, languages other than English, studies of society and environment, and home economics (see entry for Home Economist).

Secondary school teachers may perform the following tasks:

prepare daily lessons and long-term teaching programs in accordance with state or territory curriculum and guidelines
teach using a variety of methods, including formal lessons, discussions, practical activities, experiments, projects, assignments and excursions, taking into account the differences in individual students
use information technology to assist in lesson preparation, teaching and reporting
set tests, exams, projects, assignments and homework; mark and correct assessments; and sort the results
evaluate and report on the progress of their students and discuss individual performance and problems with students and parents
establish and maintain good working habits and discipline in classrooms and throughout the school
supervise extra classes when other teachers are absent
supervise students in the yard during lunchtime and other breaks
carry out relevant administrative duties
attend staff meetings, educational conferences and other professional development activities
coordinate work experience and school-industry programs
participate in other activities in partnership with parents and the school community, including parent/teacher nights, school council and other committees
assist in organising sporting events, camping trips and other excursions
be involved in distance education (e.g. teaching using radio and television transmission, correspondence, audiovisual and other multimedia resources)
coordinate administrative support programs and the work of non-teaching staff in schools
'network' with other teachers
work with other staff to revise the school's policies and curriculum to reflect changing student needs and government initiatives.

Specialisations:

With further training and experience, a secondary school teacher may be promoted to a position of educational leadership, such as secondary school principal.

Aboriginal Education Teacher (Secondary)

An Aboriginal education teacher (secondary) teaches specially designed programs to Indigenous secondary school students.

Teacher Librarian - Secondary

A teacher librarian - secondary manages the school's learning resources in addition to undertaking the duties of a teacher. Teacher librarians play a key role in teaching cross-curricular skills in information literacy and provide professional development for other teachers. They help students to seek, critically evaluate, synthesise and present information using a range of resources and information technologies. They expose students to a variety of genres (writing styles) in print and digital formats and promote the best quality literature and authors to reflect different cultures and themes. Teacher librarians make sure that the library resource centre is multi-functional and a focal point for student learning.

enthusiasm for, and ability in, their chosen subject area and teaching
high-level organisational skills
able to communicate concepts and instructions clearly
enjoy working with teenage children
patient in dealing with students of differing abilities and cultures
acceptance of the rights and needs of all individuals
prepared to work outside of school hours.

Personal Requirements:

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