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How to Become a Primary Teacher: Australian Careers in Education

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What is a Primary Teacher?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Primary Teacher?

A primary teacher works with students from Kindergarten to Year 6. They teach literacy, numeracy, social science, creative arts, and PE. Their role shapes how young children learn and grow.

Each day, primary teachers plan lessons that follow the Australian curriculum. They use a range of methods to engage every learner. They check student work through tests, projects, and tasks. They give clear feedback to help each child move ahead.

Teachers talk with parents and carers about student progress. They work with counsellors and senior staff to help students who need extra support. This teamwork makes sure every child gets what they need.

Outside lessons, primary teachers help with sports days, school concerts, and excursions. They go to staff meetings and training sessions to keep their skills sharp. Staying up to date helps them give students the best learning experience.

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Career snapshots For Primary Teachers

Primary teaching is a stable profession with strong demand across Australia. Around 165,900 primary school teachers are employed nationally (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The workforce is 82% female with a median age of 41 years. Annual employment growth sits at around 1,600 new roles per year.

Most primary teachers work full-time, averaging 45 hours per week (ABS Census, 2021). Around 37% work part-time. Median full-time weekly earnings are $2,226 (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025), or about $116,000 per year. New graduates can expect to earn from around $75,000 per year, rising with experience and accreditation level.

Primary teachers work in government and independent schools across all states and territories. NSW employs 31.7% of primary teachers, followed by Victoria (24.2%) and Queensland (20.7%) (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Teacher shortages are reported in many regional and rural areas, increasing job prospects outside major cities.

What will I do?

Primary teachers shape the educational journey of young learners every day. They build safe, engaging classrooms where students can grow their literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Through a mix of direct instruction, group work, and creative projects, primary teachers help students develop both knowledge and confidence.

  • Teaching core subjects – Instructing students in literacy, numeracy, social science, creative expression, and physical education.
  • Curriculum delivery – Presenting the set curriculum using a range of teaching methods and materials.
  • Creative development – Building students’ interests and coordination through creative activities and projects.
  • Classroom management – Guiding discussions and supervising student work to maintain a productive learning environment.
  • Assessment – Preparing, giving, and marking tests, projects, and assignments to track student progress and recording results.
  • Parent communication – Discussing individual student progress and concerns with parents, and seeking guidance from counsellors and senior staff.
  • Discipline – Maintaining order in classrooms and other school areas to keep learning on track.
  • Professional development – Taking part in staff meetings, education conferences, and workshops to sharpen teaching skills.
  • Community engagement – Working with parents, community groups, and local businesses to support the school.
  • Record keeping – Maintaining accurate class and scholastic records to track student development over time.
  • Extracurricular involvement – Helping with sports, school concerts, excursions, and special interest programs.
  • Mentoring – Supervising student teachers on placement to guide their professional growth.

What skills do I need?

Primary teachers need many skills to run a good classroom. Clear communication helps teachers share ideas with children, talk with parents, and work with colleagues. Creative lesson ideas keep students engaged and curious. Good classroom skills keep the learning space calm and focused.

Strong planning helps teachers stay on top of lessons, tests, and records. Patience and care allow teachers to connect with every student, including those who need extra help. A drive to keep learning keeps teaching practice fresh and effective.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Patience and empathy
  • Creativity in lesson planning
  • Ability to engage and motivate students
  • Strong organisational skills
  • Knowledge of child development
  • Adaptability to different learning styles
  • Teamwork and collaboration with colleagues
  • Effective classroom management
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Ability to assess and give feedback on student progress
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Understanding of curriculum requirements
  • Ability to build positive relationships with students and parents
  • Passion for teaching and learning

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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.