Primary school teacher job description

As a primary school teacher, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping young minds and fostering their educational development. Your responsibilities will include planning and delivering lessons, assessing student progress, maintaining classroom discipline, and collaborating with parents and colleagues to create a nurturing learning environment.

Tasks and responsibilities for a primary school teacher

Being a primary school teacher involves a diverse range of tasks and responsibilities, including:

Developing lesson plans
Delivering engaging and interactive lessons
Assessing student performance
Managing classroom behaviour
Fostering a positive learning atmosphere
Maintaining class records
Discussing individual progress and problems with students and parents

How to become a primary school teacher

Study

Study a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree from an accredited institution, specialising in primary education, and build your knowledge on child development, curriculum design and standards, and teaching methodologies.

This degree also has a work placement component in primary school settings to gain hands-on experience and apply classroom theory into practice.

If you don’t study a bachelor right away but you’re interested in becoming a primary school teacher, you can complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or Certificate IV in Early Childhood Education and Care, or even a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. This will allow you to work as a teachers assistant or teachers aide, and work your way up to becoming a primary school teacher.
Become a registered teacher

After completing your education qualifications, it is essential to become a registered teacher with the Teacher Registration Authority in your state. Registration requirements and procedures may vary, so ensure you thoroughly research and fulfill the specific criteria for your location.

Becoming a registered teacher not only allows you to work legally in schools but also showcases your commitment to professional standards and ongoing development in the education field.
Professional development

As a dedicated educator, continuous professional development is vital to enhance your teaching skills and stay on top of the latest educational practices and advancements. If you have already obtained a bachelor’s degree, you can further specialise in primary education by pursuing a postgraduate qualification like the Master of Teaching (Primary Education).

This advanced degree typically takes around two years of full-time study and offers in-depth training in pedagogical approaches, curriculum development, inclusive education, and research methodologies.

A Master’s in Teaching equips you with a deeper understanding of the field and opens up doors to leadership opportunities and specialisation in specific areas of primary education. By investing in ongoing professional development, you demonstrate your dedication to continuous improvement and provide your students with the best possible learning experience.

Pathway options

Junior

Teaching assistant

Most common qualification: Certificate III in Education Support

Mid

Primary school teacher

Most common qualification: Bachelor of Education (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Primary Education)
Special education teacher

Most common qualification: Bachelor of Education (Special Education)

Senior

School administrator

Most common qualification: Master of Education (Leadership and Management)
Curriculum coordinator

Most common qualification: Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction)
Education consultant

Most common qualification: Master of Education (Educational Psychology)

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Study method In-class Online

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is the ideal starting point for anyone passionate about working with young children.

Designed for school leavers, parents returning to work, or career changers, this nationally recognised course equips you with the skills to support children’s development, health, and wellbeing in early learning environments.

With a typical duration of 12–18 months and including at least 160 hours of practical placement, it prepares you for roles such as early childhood educator or childcare assistant across Australia.

Insight Training Group Australia Pty Ltd

Certificate IV in Education Support

Study method Online

The CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support is perfect for those who want to make a meaningful impact by supporting students and teachers in the classroom.

Whether you’re a school leaver, parent, or career changer, this nationally recognised course equips you to work as a teacher aide or learning support officer in primary and secondary schools.

Typically completed in 6–12 months, it includes a practical placement component to help you build real-world experience supporting students with diverse learning needs.

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

The Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to prepare aspiring educators for a rewarding career in the early childhood education sector.

This specialised vocational qualification equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to become competent and nurturing early childhood educators.

Through a blend of theoretical learning, hands-on placements in childcare settings, and professional development opportunities, students develop a deep understanding of child development, early learning principles, and best practices in providing a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children.

This course the significance of fostering holistic growth, creating engaging activities, and building strong relationships with children and their families. Upon completion of the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, you’re well-prepared to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners and contribute to the early childhood education field with confidence and compassion.

Master of Teaching (Primary Education)

The Master of Teaching (Primary Education) is a comprehensive course designed to prepare aspiring educators for a successful career in primary education.

This specialised postgraduate degree equips you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become effective and inspiring primary school teachers.

Through a combination of theoretical coursework, hands-on teaching placements, and professional development opportunities, you’ll gain a deep understanding of child development, different teaching practices, curriculum design, and classroom management.

This course emphasises the use of innovative teaching strategies, educational technologies, and inclusive approaches to cater to diverse student needs. Graduates of the Master of Teaching (Primary Education) emerge as confident and skilled educators ready to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners in primary school settings.