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How to Become a History Teacher: Australian Careers in Education

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What is a History Teacher?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a History Teacher?

A history teacher works with secondary school students to cover major events, societies, and ideas from the past. They help students see how the past shapes the world today. This career suits people who love history and can explain ideas clearly.

History teachers plan and teach lessons that meet the Australian Curriculum. They use class debates, source work, and video to keep lessons alive. They mark essays and projects and give clear feedback to students.

Outside class, history teachers may run history clubs, plan museum trips, and help with school events. They keep parents updated on how students are going throughout the year.

History teachers work in government and private schools across Australia. All teachers must register with their state or territory body before they can start work. This is a stable career with strong, ongoing demand.

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Career snapshots For History Teachers

History teachers work in Australian secondary schools as part of a large and stable national workforce. Based on data from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024), demand for secondary school teachers is moderate and steady. Employment growth is projected across all states and territories over the five years to 2029.

A history teacher’s typical week runs 38 to 45 hours. This covers lessons, planning, marking, and school duties. Graduate teachers in most states start at around $90,000 per year (based on current state pay scales, 2025). Experienced teachers can earn over $115,000 per year. The unemployment rate for teachers is low, and shortages are most acute in regional areas.

What will I do?

History teachers plan lessons, teach students, and assess their learning. They help students build knowledge of the past and think critically about historical evidence.

  • Lesson planning: writing unit and lesson plans that align with the Australian Curriculum and state syllabuses.
  • Classroom teaching: covering history through lectures, discussions, video analysis, and primary source work.
  • Assessment and feedback: setting and marking essays, projects, and exams, and giving clear written feedback.
  • Student support: spotting students who need extra help and adjusting teaching to meet their needs.
  • Curriculum development: working with colleagues to review and improve the school’s history program.
  • Professional learning: attending workshops and events to stay current with history teaching practice.
  • Classroom management: setting clear rules and keeping a productive learning space.
  • Community engagement: organising trips to archives, museums, and heritage sites to extend learning.
  • Parent communication: reporting on student progress and discussing concerns with parents and carers.

What skills do I need?

History teachers need a strong grasp of historical content across multiple periods, regions, and themes. They must explain complex ideas clearly, both in speech and in writing. This is a core part of the job every single day.

Classroom management, lesson design, and the ability to adapt teaching to different learners are equally important. History teachers also need patience and the ability to build rapport with students from diverse backgrounds. Keeping up with research and curriculum changes calls for a real commitment to lifelong learning.

Skills/attributes

  • Knowledge of Australian and world history across multiple periods and themes
  • Lesson planning and curriculum design
  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Critical thinking and source analysis skills
  • Classroom management and behaviour support
  • Assessment design and marking
  • Ability to adapt instruction for diverse learners
  • Patience and empathy when working with young people
  • Research skills and ability to evaluate historical sources
  • Collaboration with colleagues and school leadership teams
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Digital skills for creating and delivering modern lessons

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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.