Teacher - Secondary
Job Description
A High School Teacher is responsible for educating students from Year 7 to Year 12 (students who are 12 – 18 years of age). In Australia, a High School Teacher may teach classes consisting of up approximately 30 students for a period of 12 months, working in Government school (public schools), or private schools.
A High School Teacher typically elects certain subjects, such as History, Maths, English, Art, Science, Business Studies, Society and Culture, and PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education), overseeing and guiding all subject requirements. They also participate in whole of school activities such as excursions, camps, sporting activities, assemblies, presentations, awards, calendar and periodical celebrations and parent-teacher nights.
A High School Teacher may also specialise in Careers Advice, Year Advisor, School Counsellor or Head of a Department or Year roles. A High School Teacher may be involved in planning and supporting students and staff during Year 7 orientation, return to school activities following school holidays and students undergoing HSC (Higher School Certificate).
Finding full time permanent employment following graduation can sometimes take years as the number of students graduating far exceeds the number of available positions. This of course changes depending on the area or region in which the Teacher lives and works and the development and subsequent opportunities within that area. Most Teachers can secure casual positions to fill in for Teachers on leave or undergoing secondments in other areas.
A Teacher develops and prepares lesson plans, working to a specific curriculum. They develop educational plans within key learning areas, teaching students from a range of diverse backgrounds. A Teacher must comply with Australian Curriculum and relevant state level Department of Education policies and procedures. They must also manage student welfare and discipline as per school policy, monitor student engagement and communicate with students, parents, and other staff about their development.
Teachers must maintain their professional development through attendance at in-services and courses, while maintaining other licenses and accreditations.
This is a highly rewarding role which can lead into other specialty opportunities.
Qualifications
To work as a Teacher, the minimum requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree such as a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), which takes four years to complete. You will not only train to become a Teacher but also undertake work placement opportunities.
Once you have completed your degree will you need to apply for a teaching registration to become a fully qualified Teacher.
Teachers must maintain their professional development through attendance at in-services and courses, while maintaining other licenses and accreditations. Teachers are also required to obtain a current Working with Children Check.
Attributes
- Acumen
- Ambitious
- Approachable
- Autonomous
- Calm
- Charismatic
- Cheerful
- Clever
- Communicator
- Confident
- Courteous
- Creative
- Determined
- Devoted
- Diligent
- Discerning
- Educated
- Energetic
- Enthusiastic
- Focused
- Imaginative
- Integrity
- Interpersonal
- Organised
- Patient
- Perceptive
- Positive
- Present
- Procedural
- Punctual
- Reliable
- Welcoming
Key Skills
- Working with Children
- Assessments
- Early Childhood
- First Aid Certificate
- Collaboration
- Written Communicator
Future Prospects
There are many different pathways in teaching, dependent on which field of teaching you choose. Some of these include;
- Academic
- Dean of Students
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Careers Advisor
- School Counsellor
- Adult Educator (TAFE Teacher)
- Trainer & Assessor
- Secondary School Teacher
- Primary School Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Teacher - Special Education
- Teacher's Aide
- Early Childhood Educator
- Tutor
