How to become a primary school teacher

What qualifications do you need to become a primary school teacher in Australia?

You will need a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) or a Master of Teaching (Primary Education) to register as a teacher in your state or territory. The good news is that there is more than one way to get into these qualifications. You don’t have to put your plans on hold if you didn't finish high school or get the right ATAR.

Take a look at the options below to see which pathway suits you best.

Pathways to becoming a primary school teacher

What does a primary school teacher do?

Primary school teachers are trained to teach students from Prep to Year 6 (typically children aged 5 to 12). After you’ve completed your primary teaching qualification, registered with your state or territory’s education board, and earned a valid Working With Children Check, you’ll be all set to teach a prescribed curriculum. This typically includes English, science, mathematics, history and geography.

Duties and tasks

• Create lesson plans that teach literacy, numeracy, social science, physical education and creative expression skills to primary school students.
• Guide discussions and supervise work in class.
• Prepare, administer and mark projects, tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress and record the results.
• Discuss individual problems and progress with parents and students and seek advice from senior teachers and student counsellors.
• Maintain discipline in classrooms and other school areas.
• Participate in staff meetings and educational workshops and conferences. 
• Liaise with parents and business and community groups.
• Maintain class and scholastic records.
• Perform extracurricular tasks such as assisting with sport, excursions, school concerts and special interest programs.
• Supervise student teachers on placement.

What skills do you need to be a primary school teacher?

• Communication and relationship-building skills
• Patience and flexibility
• Time management and organisation
• Leadership and conflict resolution skills
• Creative problem solving skills

What is the average primary school teacher salary in Australia?

A primary school teacher’s salary will vary depending on their location, experience and whether their school is private or public. 

Look at the table below to find out the starting salary for graduate teachers in your state or territory.

Source: State Department of Education figures, as of November 2023

Why choose to become a primary school teacher?

Primary school teaching is highly rewarding and life-changing. While financial recognition is an important factor, there are some perks that can’t be measured with dollars alone—these include flexibility, guaranteed holidays and work-life balance. Some other reasons to choose a primary school teaching career include:

• Making a positive impact on future generations 
• Being a role model and inspiring and supporting young people
• Becoming a valued member of the local community

Other careers you might be interested in

• Secondary school teacher
• Specialist education teacher
• TESOL teacher
• School principal
• Private tutor