How to Become a Secondary School Teacher: Australian Careers in Teaching

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Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)

Want to gain the knowledge and skills to understand modern psychology? Maybe you’re looking to get one step closer to becoming a registered psychologist? JCU Online’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is a contemporary and hands-on qualification that provides the knowledge and skills to understand modern psychology and reach your career goals.

Offering a unique curriculum, this course covers contemporary theoretical perspectives of psychology, their philosophical and historical developments and their interconnectedness. While also building your skills in using technology and statistical methods to facilitate research, and also provides you with a communications tool-kit to solve problems relative to the challenges of the diverse populations in different communities.

You will study a broad scope of subjects unique to the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) at JCU Online, including Environmental Psychology and Health, Wellbeing & Resilience and more. These subjects align to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as current and emerging global health challenges in a technology-enabled society.

Whether you want to progress your career and go on to further study to become a Psychologist or see this course as a way forward in your role in teaching, human resources, marketing, counselling, social work, or consulting – the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) will help you get to where you want to be.

Online

Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, Forensic Psychologist, HR Manager, Primary Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Social Worker

Price may vary

20 months part-time

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What is a Secondary School Teacher?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Secondary School Teacher?

The role of a Secondary School Teacher is both rewarding and impactful, as these educators play a crucial part in shaping the minds and futures of young individuals. They are responsible for teaching one or more subjects within a structured curriculum, engaging students in a way that fosters their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. This career is ideal for those who are passionate about education and wish to inspire the next generation through innovative teaching methods and a supportive classroom environment.

Secondary School Teachers have a diverse range of responsibilities that extend beyond simply delivering lessons. They prepare and present engaging curriculum content, utilising various teaching techniques and materials to cater to different learning styles. In addition to guiding classroom discussions and supervising student work, they assess student progress through tests, projects, and assignments, providing valuable feedback to help students improve. Building strong relationships with students and their families is also essential, as teachers often discuss individual progress and collaborate with parents to address any challenges that may arise.

In addition to their core teaching duties, Secondary School Teachers actively participate in the school community by attending staff meetings, educational conferences, and workshops. They may also engage in extracurricular activities, such as coaching sports teams or organising school events, which further enriches the student experience. This multifaceted role not only allows teachers to contribute to their students’ academic success but also to their personal growth, making it a fulfilling career choice for those who thrive in dynamic and interactive environments.

Ultimately, a career as a Secondary School Teacher offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students. By fostering a love for learning and encouraging critical thinking, these educators help shape the future of their students and, by extension, society as a whole. For those who are dedicated to education and passionate about nurturing young minds, this career path is both meaningful and impactful.

Career snapshots For Secondary School Teachers

Secondary School Teachers play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape, teaching various subjects to students in secondary schools. This profession is characterised by a commitment to fostering students’ intellectual, social, and emotional development.

Average Age: 40 years
Gender Distribution: 60% female, 40% male
Average Weekly Hours: 45 hours (79% work full-time)
Median Weekly Earnings: $2,166 (approximately $79,733 annually)
Unemployment Rate: Low, with a stable demand for teachers
Current Employment: Approximately 139,500 individuals are employed as Secondary School Teachers
Projected Growth: Employment is expected to decline slightly, with an annual decrease of about 400 positions

This career not only offers a rewarding experience in educating young minds but also provides a stable income and job security in a profession that is essential to society. As the educational landscape evolves, opportunities for professional development and specialisation continue to grow, making it an appealing choice for those passionate about teaching.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Labour Force Survey, 2023.

What will I do?

Secondary School Teachers play a vital role in shaping the educational experiences of adolescents, guiding them through their formative years. They are responsible for delivering a prescribed curriculum, fostering students’ intellectual and emotional growth, and preparing them for future challenges. This profession requires a blend of creativity, discipline, and dedication, as teachers engage with students in various subjects while also addressing their individual needs and aspirations.

Presenting prescribed curriculum using a range of teaching techniques and materials – Engaging students through diverse instructional methods to enhance understanding and retention of subject matter.
Developing students’ interests, abilities and coordination by way of creative activities – Encouraging creativity and critical thinking through hands-on projects and interactive lessons.
Guiding discussions and supervising work in class – Facilitating classroom discussions to promote active participation and collaborative learning among students.
Preparing, administering and marking tests, projects and assignments to evaluate students’ progress and recording the results – Assessing student performance through various evaluation methods and maintaining accurate records.
Discussing individual progress and problems with students and parents, and seeking advice from Student Counsellors and senior teachers – Communicating with families to provide updates on student development and addressing any concerns.
Maintaining discipline in classrooms and other school areas – Establishing and enforcing rules to create a safe and conducive learning environment.
Participating in staff meetings, educational conferences and workshops – Engaging in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and stay updated on educational practices.
Liaising with parent, community and business groups – Building partnerships with external stakeholders to support student learning and school initiatives.
Maintaining class and scholastic records – Keeping detailed records of student attendance, grades, and other relevant information.
Performing extra-curricular tasks such as assisting with sport, school concerts, excursions and special interest programs – Supporting students outside the classroom through various activities that promote personal growth and teamwork.
Supervising student teachers on placement – Mentoring and guiding future educators during their practical training experiences.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Secondary School Teacher requires a diverse set of skills that are essential for fostering a positive learning environment and effectively engaging students. Strong communication skills are paramount, as teachers must convey complex concepts clearly and facilitate discussions that encourage critical thinking. Additionally, organisational skills are vital for managing lesson plans, grading assignments, and maintaining classroom discipline. Teachers also need to be adaptable, as they often encounter varying learning styles and classroom dynamics, necessitating a flexible approach to instruction.

Moreover, a deep understanding of the subject matter is crucial, as teachers are expected to present the curriculum with authority and enthusiasm. Empathy and interpersonal skills play a significant role in building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, which is essential for supporting students’ social and emotional development. Finally, a commitment to continuous professional development is important, as educators must stay updated with the latest teaching strategies and educational technologies to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom.

Skills/attributes

Strong communication skills
Ability to engage and motivate students
Classroom management skills
Adaptability and flexibility
Subject matter expertise
Organisational skills
Empathy and understanding
Collaboration and teamwork
Creativity in lesson planning
Commitment to professional development
Ability to assess and evaluate student progress
Strong interpersonal skills
Patience and resilience
Technological proficiency
Knowledge of educational policies and curriculum

Resources

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VIC

ACT

TAS

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How to Become a Secondary School Teacher: Australian Careers in Teaching

What is a Secondary School Teacher?

Career snapshots For Secondary School Teachers

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes