Do you want to be a...

Teacher - Secondary

Also known as High School Teacher.

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

Subject areas include English, mathematics, science, history, geography, drama, dance, art, music, health and physical education, design, information technology, languages other than English, and home economics (see separate entry for Home Economist).

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

TASKS

Secondary school teachers may perform the following tasks:

prepare daily lessons and long-term teaching programmes 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 between individual students
use information technology to assist with 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 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 industry-based programmes
participate in other activities in partnership with parents and the school community, including parent-teacher nights, school council and other committees
assist with organising sporting events, camping trips and other excursions
be involved in distance education (for example, teaching using radio and television transmission, correspondence, audiovisual and other multimedia resources)
coordinate administrative support programmes 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 implementation to reflect changing student needs and government initiatives

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

English Teacher - Secondary - teaches students communication, writing and critical thinking skills in response to a wide array of literature and media. They guide students in understanding the different concepts and themes that are present in literary and media- based material and inform them of their historical context.

Mathematics Teacher - Secondary - teaches the fundamentals of mathematics in areas such as geometry, calculus, algebra and statistics. They help students to develop analytical skills through the application of mathematics in everyday life.

Science Teacher - Secondary - teaches students the scientific principles of the world around them. They may also specialise in areas such as biology, human biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science.

Aboriginal Education Teacher (Secondary) - teaches specially designed programmes to Indigenous secondary school students.

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

EDUCATION & 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 (for example, a Bachelor of Secondary Education majoring in visual arts). Alternatively, you can complete a degree in a subject area related to the current secondary school curriculum, followed by a postgraduate qualification in education (for example, a Graduate Diploma of Education).

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, mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, geography and physics are normally required. Some courses may have additional requirements. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in subject areas relevant to the 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 completion of a 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 or the universities you are interested in for more information about teaching specialisations.

See entries for Teacher - Art, Teacher - Music and Teacher - Physical Education 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 schools 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

Secondary school teachers work in government and non-government schools. 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 (rural areas, for example) to secure a job or a promotion to a senior position. Once employed, the prospects for advancement can be enhanced by obtaining higher qualifications.

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