Teacher - Secondary (NSW)

Teacher - Secondary (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a secondary school teacher you usually need to complete a 4-year integrated course in which the subject area and teaching components are taught throughout (e.g. a Bachelor of Education majoring in visual arts). Alternatively, you can complete a degree in a subject area related to current secondary school curriculum, followed by a postgraduate qualification in education (e.g. a Graduate Diploma of Education).

To get into degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, advanced English, mathematics, biology, biological science, human biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, geography, physics, physical science and psychology are normally required. Some courses may require you to submit a portfolio. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in subject areas relevant to secondary school curriculum. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

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

See entries for Teacher - Art, Teacher - Music and Teacher - Physical Education for more information.

Additional Information:

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. 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.

Practical placements are usually required in education courses. To undertake 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:

Secondary school teachers work in government and non-government schools and colleges. Some teachers are able to work in private practice, offering tutorial and subject-coaching services to students. Competition for positions in metropolitan government and non-government schools is strong. Teachers should be prepared to move to areas of need (e.g. rural areas) to secure a job or a promotion to a senior position. Once employed, the prospects for advancement can be enhanced by obtaining higher qualifications.