What does a primary school teacher do?
Creating lesson plans, assessing student performance, ensuring children behave in the classroom, supporting students emotionally, and providing updates to parents… the job of a primary school teacher is incredibly diverse. So, why is teaching a good career choice? Well, a primary teaching can be very rewarding; in this profession you can make a meaningful and lasting impact on young minds. You would not only educate students in literacy and numeracy but also help them develop their social and emotional skills. In Australia, a primary school is usually for students aged five to 12.
Is a career as a primary school teacher right for me?
Primary teaching is often suited to people who have an interest in education and enjoy working with children. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
- excellent communication skills
- enthusiasm
- creativity
- patience and empathy
- resilience
- good organisational skills.
How to become a primary school teacher
To become a primary school teacher in Australia, you usually need a Bachelor of Education with a specialisation in primary education. However, every educational journey is unique, and there are various paths to achieve your teaching career goals. If you have previously studied, a Master of Learning and Teaching or a Graduate Diploma in Education could allow you to become qualified more quickly than an undergraduate degree.
After graduating, you'll need to complete accreditation, obtain a working with children check, undergo a national police check and hold a current first aid certificate.
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your teaching career goals. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of primary education:
Average salary per week
$1433
Future demand
Strong
Industries
Related careers
Source: yourcareer.gov.au
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.
Degree
Study mode
Campus
Start
Primary School Teacher FAQs
How much do primary school teachers get paid?
The average primary school teacher salary varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and qualifications. For more information, please see the salary information on this page for further details.
What is the typical day in the life of a primary school teacher?
A day in the life of a primary school teacher can include:
- Planning and preparing classroom lessons, activities and excursions for primary school students.
- Teaching literacy, numeracy, social science, creative expression and health.
- Participating in staff meetings, educational conferences and workshops.
- Discussing individual progress and issues with students and parents.
- Consulting student counsellors and senior teachers for advice.
- Leading discussions and overseeing classwork.
- Preparing and grading tests, projects, homework and assignments.
- Managing student behaviour in the classroom.
- Contributing to extracurricular activities such as sports, school concerts, excursions and special interest programs.
Are primary school teachers in demand in Australia?
Primary school teachers are in strong demand across Australia, particularly in regional and remote areas. As student enrolments increase and current teachers retire, there is a continuous need for qualified educators to fill these positions.
How long does it take to become a primary school teacher in Australia?
To become a primary school teacher in Australia you typically need to complete an undergraduate degree in teaching with a major in primary education. This generally takes four years of full-time study, although the duration may vary based on your chosen study load and university.
Sign up for the latest information
UniSQ is collecting the personal information on this form for support for students and prospective students and for marketing purposes. Further information concerning privacy is available.