Are you looking to become a teacher in Australia? Thanks to the strong economy and low unemployment rate, you will be assured optimal working conditions and rewards in your teaching career. A teacher in Australia can make up to AUD 62,000 per year.
Becoming a certified teacher in Australia can be overwhelming if you do not know what to expect.
That is why we have put together this step-by-step guide to help you understand everything you need to know, from deciding which degree to pursue to the registration body that is right for you.
How to Become a Teacher in Australia
While the steps to becoming a teacher in Australia vary with the state, the process is pretty standard, like having the relevant credentials and obtaining the certifications or licenses. No matter your state or territory, let us look at the five steps to becoming a teacher in Australia.
Step 1. Enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree Program
Once you have determined that you meet the criteria to become a teacher, you should enroll in an education program or postgraduate course recognized by the Australian government. It could be either a Bachelor of Education or a Master of Teaching degree program at an Australian university. Alternatively, you could enroll in any other discipline and then pursue a Master of Teaching for two years or a graduate diploma in teaching for a year.
Furthermore, you can learn about the benefits of specializing in other areas, like Early Childhood Education or Special Needs Education.
Many universities and colleges across Australia offer teaching degrees, like Curtin University, which has a Bachelor of Education, taking three years on a full-time study basis. You could also enroll in the Master of Teaching for Secondary Schools at the University of Western Australia. The average cost for a Bachelor’s degree in Education ranges from AUD 25,000 to AUD 50,000.
Step 2. Take Relevant Tests
The next step to becoming a teacher in Australia is to take some tests to prove your skills and knowledge. The state education department might ask you to take tests for specific subject qualifications or competency assessments before they grant your license to practice teaching.
You will find various tests to measure your literacy and understanding of teaching principles and their application, like the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) test. For some universities, it is a course requirement for undergraduate and postgraduate students aspiring to be primary and secondary teachers, and you must pass to graduate with your teaching degree.
There is also the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students, an online assessment tool used to assess students’ proficiency in literacy and numeracy. Some states or territories may require successful test results to allow you to complete your practicum and register or seek employment as a teacher.
Step 3. Complete Professional Teaching Studies
It is usually done through an accredited institution and consists of classroom-based training and practical experience within schools through practicums or internships.
Many universities and education providers offer professional placements so you can gain real-world experience and hone your skills while still getting academic credit. It will also enable you to measure your progress and gauge if it is your true passion.
Students must complete at least 150 hours of paid or unpaid internship working between 10 and 20 hours per week. An unpaid internship must be under the Fair Work Act 2009 and a requirement of the teaching program you are studying. Interns earn around $34.30 per hour or $66,883 per year, though this varies with the state.
Step 4. Apply for Provisional Registration
After gaining some teaching experience, apply for provisional registration with the relevant Teacher Registration Board in your state or territory. It means you can work as an employee while completing your professional teaching studies. This step in being a teacher in Australia is very important, so make sure to follow this.
You must have completed at least 100 hours of professional teaching studies for a successful application. This registration also applies to teaching programs in New Zealand.
You will apply online and pay a non-refundable registration fee. You will also pay an annual fee by 31 March to maintain the registration. If enrolled in an accredited Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program, you can submit your Provisional Registration application in the last semester of study. You will upload a copy of your current student record to support your application.
Step 5. Get Accredited as a Teacher
You have to get accredited as a teacher before starting any teaching job. You need to register with the relevant teaching body in your state or territory. For example, the Victorian Institute of Teaching is the accrediting body in the State of Victoria.
When applying for accreditation, you must prove your academic and professional qualifications and undergo a national police check that checks your criminal history and conduct. If you want to teach in a children’s school, you will go through a Working with Children Check designed to protect children from physical or sexual harm.
Once accredited and landed a teaching job, you might take a refresher course in the first year to update your knowledge and skills.
FAQs: How to Become a Teacher in Australia
Can a Foreigner Become a Teacher in Australia?
Foreigners can teach in Australia, depending on their credentials and experience. You need to research the requirements for your state or territory as they vary.
But generally, besides having a valid visa that allows you to work, you will also need to prove your English Language proficiency and have relevant academic credentials, like a degree in Education. You will also require a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. Additionally, you may need to undergo a criminal record check to confirm your credibility.
Australia offers boundless opportunities if you want to build a lucrative career in teaching. The steps to becoming a teacher in Australia vary with the states and territories but are pretty straightforward. You must understand the academic credentials, professional qualifications, and accreditations required in your state or territory. Remember to continuously update your knowledge and skills to help you build a thriving teaching career in Australia.
You can also consider applying for scholarships. Check out the Study in Australia and Available Programs for International Students pages for more information about the awards, and scholarships available for international students!
