Primary School Teacher Career Pathway

Primary school teachers teach a range of subjects within the curriculum to primary school students. They also help to promote students social, emotional, intellectual and physical development, in the classroom and through extra-curricular activities.

What does a Primary School Teacher do?

Primary school teachers instruct children who are typically aged five to 11 years old.

Their goal is to provide strong foundations in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics, plus broader knowledge in subjects like science and social studies. 

Some of their tasks include (but are not limited to) the below:

  • Teach literacy, numeracy, social science, creative expression and physical education skills to students
  • Present the prescribed curriculum using a range of teaching techniques and materials
  • Introduce creative activities to develop students interests, abilities and coordination
  • Prepare, administer and mark tests, projects and assignments to evaluate
  • students progress
  • Discuss individual progress and problems with students and parents, and, when necessary, seek advice from counsellors and senior teachers
  • Participate in staff meetings, educational seminars and workshops, and liaise with parent, community and business groups
  • Maintain class and scholastic records
  • Assist with sport, school concerts, excursions and special interest programs

Where do Primary School Teachers work?

Primary school teachers work in offices from Monday to Friday business hours, as well as out of office hours to do administration, marking and general teaching preparation, as well as communicating with parents of their students. 

69.7% of primary school teachers working on a full-time basis.

According to the ABS Labour Force Survey, the average week worked by full-time primary school teachers are 41.7 hours.

How much does a Primary School teacher earn?

The average annual salary for an education manager in Australia is $63,200.

As a primary school teacher gains further competencies and progresses through their career, their earning potential generally increases.

Average salary potential

  • Entry level: $60,100
  • Mid-level salary: $70,000
  • Senior salary: $78,800
  • Bonuses: $395 - $9,700

 

Primary School Teaching Career Outlook at a glance

Median age is: 41 years old

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Employment level trends & growth

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Source: https://docs.employment.gov.au/documents/australian-jobs-occupation-matrix & Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business projections

 

Specialisations

As the role of a primary school teacher is in itself so broad, there are few specialist areas. An exception is primary school teacher-librarian.

 

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What education do you need?

A bachelor degree in teaching or higher. Sometimes, employers require both a formal qualification and vocational experience. Registration is required to be a teacher, and these requirements differ dependent on state or territory. 

The next step in your education career

If you want to either become a teacher or pursue your career in education, Southern Cross University offers related postgraduate courses available 100% online for those looking to take the next step in their teaching career. Or, for those looking to become a teacher, we have on-campus courses. 

 

Sources

Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) 2nd Edition, ABS Catalogue No. 1220.0, p131.
Occupational Projections, Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business
Australian Government Job Outlook
Payscale

 

100% Online Education Courses

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For more details about the SCU Online 100% Education courses, see below: