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How to Become an English Teacher: Australian Careers in Education

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What is a English Teacher?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a English Teacher?

An English Teacher helps students read, write, speak, and think clearly. They work in Australian schools and adult learning settings. Most work in secondary schools, but roles also exist in primary schools and TAFE.

In the classroom, English Teachers plan lessons, set and mark tasks, and run discussions about texts. They give feedback on student work and support those who need extra help. They also challenge students who are ready to go further.

Outside the classroom, they work with colleagues to plan and improve the English program. They meet with parents to talk about student progress. Many also run activities such as book clubs, debating, or writing competitions.

This career has real and lasting impact. English Teachers help young people find their voice and think for themselves. Find Bachelor of Education courses or Master of Teaching programs to get started.

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Career snapshots For English Teachers

English Teachers in Australia are part of a large, stable, and well-paid workforce (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Around 161,400 secondary school teachers were working across the country as of 2025. About 6,400 new teachers enter the field each year.

The workforce is 58% female, with a median age of 40. About 77% work full-time, at an average of 45 hours per week. Starting salaries for new graduates are around $85,000 per year. Senior teachers can earn more than $130,000. The most common career path leads to head of English, head of department, or school principal.

What will I do?

English Teachers shape how students read, write, think, and speak. They build skills that students use for the rest of their lives. The role is varied and hands-on for those who love language and working with people.

  • Lesson Planning: building lesson plans that meet the curriculum and suit all learners.
  • Classroom Instruction: teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening through texts and activities.
  • Assessment and Feedback: setting tasks, marking work, and helping students see where to improve.
  • Student Support: giving extra help to students who need it, one-on-one or in small groups.
  • Curriculum Development: working with the team to review and update the English program.
  • Professional Development: going to training and workshops to keep teaching skills current.
  • Parent Communication: meeting with families to talk about student progress and any concerns.
  • Classroom Management: building a calm, focused place to learn from day one.
  • Extracurricular Activities: running book clubs, writing competitions, or debating programs.

What skills do I need?

A career as an English Teacher calls for more than a love of books. Teachers need to explain ideas clearly and connect with students of all ages and backgrounds. Patience is key, since every class brings new challenges.

Good planning skills help teachers run lessons, set tasks, and track how students are going. Teachers need to think fast when a lesson takes a different turn. A love of language and a drive to keep learning both make a teacher better and help inspire students.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Passion for language and literature
  • Ability to engage and motivate students
  • Patience and adaptability
  • Lesson planning and curriculum design
  • Assessment and feedback skills
  • Understanding of diverse learning needs
  • Classroom management
  • Critical thinking and analytical ability
  • Collaboration with staff and parents
  • Commitment to professional development
  • Cultural sensitivity and inclusion
  • Digital literacy and use of educational tools

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.