What does a secondary school teacher do?
Teachers have a duty of care to their students to foster both academic growth and general wellbeing. Generally, a secondary teacher will specialise in one or more subjects and may choose to work exclusively with older or younger grades within the high school system. They are responsible for creating lesson plans, setting assignments, marking students work and keeping a student’s parents/guardians up to date on their progress and proficiencies. A secondary teacher is responsible for creating a learning environment that is conducive to learning, critical thinking and creativity, providing support and guidance for students of different cultural backgrounds and abilities.
Tasks:
- Preparing lesson plans
- Marking student work and providing feedback
- Fostering relationships with students and their parents
- Supervising planned activities
What skills do I need to be a secondary school teacher?
While the subject-specific skills you need will vary based on your teaching area, there are some personal attributes and proficiencies that will help you become a successful secondary school teacher. Creativity, the ability to design engaging lessons, an earnest care for your students, genuine interest in your subject area and strong interpersonal skills will all assist you in being an efficient and capable high school teacher.
- Able to maintain discipline in the classroom
- Creative approach to teaching
- Strong problem solving skills
- Skilled in conflict resolution
- Empathetic and patient
Specialisations
During the course of their studies, secondary school teachers are able to elect their specialisations, choosing subjects that are of personal interest. Secondary school teachers can also opt to teach in certain geographical areas or to work with students who are perceived to have a socio-economic disadvantage or learning difficulties.
Aboriginal Education Teacher
Special Education
Teacher Librarian
Study pathways for secondary school teachers
Tertiary education is a prerequisite for working as a teacher in the secondary school system. A high school teacher will generally complete a bachelor’s degree in education, incorporating their subject area into their program of study as a major, or they will complete a bachelor degree in their subject followed by a master of teaching degree.
Getting Started
Deciding on your own strengths and interests in teaching will help determine your first steps.
Skill Building
Work towards becoming an accredited teacher with courses designed to build competence and confidence.
Professional Development
Gain skills and experience to help turn your passion into a career.
Industry Recognition
You will need to join the register of qualified teachers within your state in order to commence your teaching career.
Getting a job after graduation
Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your teaching career. Emphasise your personal strengths and achievements in your resume and target your cover letter to the job description listed.