How to become a secondary school teacher

What should you study to become a secondary teacher in Australia?

You will need a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) or a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) to become a registered teacher in your state or territory.

While you can apply directly into these qualifications, there are also other study options if you don’t have a strong academic history.  

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

Pathways to becoming a secondary school teacher

What does a secondary school teacher do?

Secondary school teachers lead teenagers through their most formative years, between the ages of 12 and 18 (or Year 7 to Year 12). As a key role model in their lives, it’s your job to share a set curriculum while capturing their interest and encouraging new thinking.

Most secondary school teachers specialise in one or two subjects across Arts, English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Technologies or Physical Education, so you'll get to focus on an area you’re most passionate about. You’ll teach a rotation of different classes every day, which means you’ll need to build a rapport with students quickly and take command of the classroom.

Duties and tasks 

• Design daily lessons plans that follow your state or territory’s curriculum requirements. 
• Set regular homework tasks, supervise tests and mark assessments. 
• Write reports and hold parent-teacher interviews to update parents on how students are performing. 
• Supervise students outside the classroom at assemblies, on excursions and school camps or during extracurricular activities.  
• Supervise student teachers on placement.
• Attend staff meetings and collaborate with colleagues on revising school policies.
• Stay up to date on the latest pedagogies by taking part in professional development activities.

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

• Adaptability 
• Empathy and patience
• Time management and organisation
• Leadership and conflict resolution skills
• Creative problem solving skills

What is the average secondary teacher salary in Australia?

A high 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 is secondary teaching a good career choice?

• Teachers are highly sought-after, not just in Australia, but around the world. This gives you the gift of job security, plus the freedom to move wherever teachers are needed, including overseas.  
• Every day is different. Your students will surprise and challenge you constantly, which means your career will never be boring.  
• You can make an impact. Teachers help young people understand the world, wrestle with new ideas and prepare for adulthood. Everyone remembers how their favourite teacher influenced their life—and you could leave that legacy.  

Other careers you might be interested in

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