Teacher - Primary (NSW)

Teacher - Primary (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a primary teacher you usually have to study primary school teaching, middle school teaching or education at university. Alternatively, you can undertake a postgraduate qualification specialising in primary education after completing a degree with relevant study areas.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in primary school teaching, middle school teaching and education. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires a relevant bachelor degree. A number of universities in Australia offer postgraduate courses in primary education. They are also available by distance education. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information.

Additional Information:

In order to be employed as a school teacher in NSW, you must meet the NSW Institute of Teachers accreditation requirements and pay the institute an annual fee. Teaching in government schools in NSW and the ACT requires registration with the Department of Education and Training in that state/territory. Contact the relevant department for further information.

Practical placements are usually required in education courses. Before undertaking practical placements in NSW schools, you must sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration and obtain a Working with Children Check, issued by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People. In the ACT, the Children and Young People Commissioner is in the process of introducing safety checks for people who work with children. A police clearance is required before commencing the practical component of teaching courses.

Teachers are required by mandatory reporting laws to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Competition for positions in metropolitan government and private schools is very strong. Teachers should be prepared to move to areas of need (e.g. rural areas) to secure a job or obtain promotion to senior positions. Once employed, the prospects for advancement can be enhanced by obtaining higher qualifications.