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Teacher - Primary

Primary school teachers educate primary school children by planning and conducting an education programme to develop literacy and numeracy, as well as the physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth of their students.

Primary school teachers are usually trained to teach the whole curriculum.

Some undertake further studies to become specialist primary teachers who develop and teach programmes for students with special needs, rural and isolated children or children for whom English is a second language.

In some schools, primary school teachers teach languages other than English if they have the appropriate qualifications, skills and experience.

Primary school teachers need to continually update their subject knowledge and teaching methods through private study and professional development activities.

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

TASKS

Primary school teachers may perform the following tasks:

prepare daily and longer-term lesson plans in accordance with curriculum guidelines
teach a full range of learning areas, including English (reading, writing, speaking and listening), mathematics, science, technology, society and environment, creative arts, personal development, health and physical education
develop children's interests, abilities and coordination using creative activities such as art, music and sport
use computers to assist with lesson preparation, teaching and reporting
develop and maintain good working habits and discipline in classrooms
carry out administrative duties
supervise students during classes and at other times in the school day, including in the playground during breaks
attend staff meetings and other training and development sessions
take part in joint decision-making about educational issues
assess and evaluate students' progress in written and oral work
discuss students' progress and concerns with parents and administrators
assist with and organise sporting activities, school concerts and excursions
prepare for and attend parent-teacher interviews and other functions

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy working with children
creative and organised
patient in dealing with students of differing abilities
able to communicate simply and clearly
prepared to work outside of school hours

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Aboriginal Education Teacher (Primary) - teaches specially designed programmes to Indigenous primary school students.

Teacher Librarian - Primary - 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 ensure the library resource centre is multi-functional and a focal point for student learning.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a primary school teacher you usually have to complete a degree in primary education or primary school teaching. 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 schools in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in primary education and primary school teaching.

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 completion of an appropriate 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

Before undertaking practical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). A National Police Certificate may also be required. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Teaching in schools in NSW requires accreditation with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES). See www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au for further information. Teaching in the ACT requires registration with the ACT Teacher Quality Institute. See www.tqi.act.edu.au for further information.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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