Role and responsibilities

Primary teachers prepare daily lesson plans that fit within broad syllabus and curriculum requirements. They are responsible for teaching a wide range of subject areas, including English, mathematics, science, technology, society and environment, creative arts, and personal development, health and physical education.

Work activities

A typical work day for a primary teacher in a NSW public school may involve:

• Preparing and teaching a range of lessons for a particular year group – ranging from kindergarten (typically aged 5 to 6) to Year 6 (typically aged 10 to 11)
• Using creative activities such as art, music and sport to engage primary students and develop their creativity and coordination
• Using computers and other electronic devices to prepare and teach lessons, report on student development and undertake administrative duties
• Encouraging students to develop effective study habits
• Implementing classroom management practices
• Assessing and evaluating students' development
• Discussing students' development with parents
• Supervising students outside the classroom (i.e. playground duty)
• Attending staff meetings
• Undertaking professional development
• Assisting with organising sporting activities, excursions and other extracurricular activities.

Qualifications

To become a primary teacher, you will need to complete at least four years of tertiary study, including an accredited teacher education program, at a recognised university or higher education institution, such as:

• a Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• a combined or double degree, for example, a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• an undergraduate degree and an accredited graduate entry teaching degree, for example, a Master of Teaching (Primary).

Next steps

Find out how to become a teacher in NSW public schools.