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myfuture - Australia's National Career Information Service | myfuture

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Shape your future with myfuture - sign up or log in to Australia's National Career Information Service.

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So you want to become a teacher. Perhaps you're keen to be a high school English teacher, specialise in music or work in early childhood education. Whatever your interest area, you're passionate about inspiring the next generation of Australians and you're drawn to the diverse employment prospects of the education industry.
'To work as a teacher...you need to have university qualifications and be registered with the relevant state authority - then you're all set to search for a job,' says Dr Matthew Thomas, course director of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) and Master of Teaching (Secondary and Primary) at Deakin University.

Here's everything you need to know about how to become a teacher.

Become a teacher

You need a university qualification to work as a teacher in Australia and, in most states and territories, there are two common pathways: complete a four-year teaching degree - which, depending on where you studied, qualifies you to become an early childhood or primary school teacher and, in some circumstances, a secondary school teacher - or an undergraduate degree in a specific discipline like science or music plus a postgraduate teaching degree.

Figuring out what to study at university isn't always easy and, thankfully, Dr Thomas says one option isn't better than the other. 'If you don't have a degree and you want to be a teacher, the Bachelor of Education is for you,' he says. 'If you do have a degree, the Master of Teaching is your ticket to becoming a teacher.'

To ensure the literacy and numeracy standards of all Australian teachers, all students enrolling in an education or teaching qualification program are required to successfully complete the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students prior to graduation.

Once you have completed your teaching qualification, you'll need to apply for and maintain teacher registration or accreditation. This occurs with your relevant state or territory body.

And here's the kicker - you'll need to maintain your registration for the duration of your teaching career, says Dr Thomas.

'Schools can't employ teachers without registration,' he says. 'It's a bit like car rego - there's a yearly fee and it's ongoing. You need to keep it up-to-date and pay for it each year. Plus, there are things you need to do in order to keep that registration current, such as completing a certain amount of professional development each year.'

How to become a high school teacher

High school teachers are responsible for teaching students in Years 7 to 12, with children typically aged between 12 and 18. No matter which state or territory you plan to teach in, you'll need to complete an undergraduate degree, and an accredited teaching degree, such as a Master of Teaching (Secondary). In some instances, it's possible to fast-track your studies with a combined undergraduate and postgraduate course.

It's important to note that a Master of Teaching prepares you to teach in the same discipline as your undergraduate degree. 'Let's say you've done an undergraduate degree in English and drama, then a Master of Teaching,' Dr Thomas says. 'You can't change your mind and decide you want to be a physics teacher - you have to be an English and drama teacher.'

How to become a primary school teacher

Primary school teachers in Australia teach from Kindergarten/Prep/Year 1 through to Year 6, with children typically aged between five and 12. Primary school teachers are required to complete a four-year teaching degree such as a Bachelor of Education (Primary), or if your undergraduate degree is unrelated to teaching, you'll need to complete a graduate entry teaching degree such as a Master of Teaching (Primary).

Your teaching qualification must include the equivalent of one year full-time studying one of the key learning areas, which include:

English

Mathematics

Science and Technology

Human Society and its Environment

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Creative Arts and Practical Arts.

How to become a kindergarten (or preschool) teacher

Early childhood teachers play an integral role in the development of a child's language and vocabulary skills, numeracy and social skills. Due to the vulnerable nature of young children, ECTs often require a specialised qualification, such as a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education.
Ready to embark on your teaching career? Learn about Deakin's education courses.
The National Quality Framework (NQF) sets the national standard of care for children five years of age and younger who are not enrolled in school, or for primary school children enrolled in out of school hours care. As per the NQF, to work in a centre-based education and care service with children in kindergarten or preschool, you are required to hold an approved diploma level qualification in education.

You may also be required to complete teacher registration or accreditation depending on the state or territory you wish to teach in.

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So you want to become a teacher. Perhaps you're keen to be a high school English teacher, specialise in music or work in early childhood education . Whatever your interest area, you're passionate about inspiring the next generation of Australians and you're drawn to the diverse employment prospects of the education industry.

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We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you're not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.

Domestic applicants

Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2020, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 64.95 The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Applicants who have completed prior study at a recognised tertiary institution:

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or

Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

All applicants must also complete the Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT). This includes a personal statement and a small number of multiple-choice questions

Applicants who have completed TAFE or other Vocational Education and Training (VET)

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT)

In addition, all applicants are required to provide a non-academic personal statement which is used to assist in the selection of students into all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses at the University of Tasmania.

This statement is submitted through the Non-Academic Capability Assessment Tool (NACAT) after you have completed your application and is used in conjunction with your ATAR score (or equivalent alternative entry). All applicants must satisfactorily complete the NACAT before they will be provided with an offer into the course.

Instructions on submitting your statement and completing the NACAT are provided during the application process.

Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teaching Education

Prior to undertaking their final Professional Experience placement, Bachelor of Education (Primary) students are required to complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teaching Education (LANTITE).

Special consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

International applicants

Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.

Course participation requirements

This course includes compulsory work placements. All students must meet the course's Safety in Practice Requirements before their first placement. This includes external clearances to work with children and vulnerable people. The safety in practice requirements are completed separately to the course application.

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We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you're not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option. Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.