Primary School Teachers 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.1
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
1 Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) 2nd Edition, ABS Catalogue No. 1220.0, p131.
Career outlook at a glance
39
Median age of Australian Primary School Teachers (in years)
161,700
Primary School Teachers workforce in Australia
$2,000
Median weekly earnings in Australia
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia. 2024.
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.
64% of primary school teachers working on a full-time basis. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the average weekly hours worked is 45 hours.
How much do Primary School Teachers earn?
According to Seek, the average annual salary in Australia for a Pharmacist is between $95,000-$105,000. 2
2 Seek. September 2024. Primary School Teacher Salary
SCU Online courses
If you want to pursue a career as a primary school teacher, Southern Cross University offers related postgraduate courses available 100% online for those looking to take the next step in their teaching career.
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.
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.
