If you have a deep passion for knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a considerable amount of patience, then teaching may be the career path for you. When it comes to teaching, there are so many paths to follow, and so many opportunities that you may find yourself facing decision paralysis. Figuring out the perks and drawbacks of the job, and where to start, can be a daunting task, so why not simplify it?
Table of Contents
An Average Day as a Teacher
Laying out your day with a work plan is the foundation of a teacher’s day. Having a time sensitive schedule in mind for the running of the day’s tasks will help keep everything on track. You’re likely to begin your day checking emails or grading papers from yesterday’s tests, followed by teaching a lesson, or several consecutive lessons in class. You might spend some time tutoring a student one-on-one, and to help them meet the requirements of your lesson plan. When you’re not with students you’ll be preparing materials for future lessons and attending staff meetings to maintain the standards of your professional development. Lastly, your day may end with grading assignments which you may find yourself doing in the classroom, or at home.
Preparation for a Career in Teaching
If you think you’d be well suited to a career in teaching you might want to consider what it takes to prepare yourself for a career. If you’re still in school, attending to your grades, and involving yourself in extra curricular activities is an excellent way to build competency in your knowledge, and gain valuable first-hand life experience. If you’ve already in the workforce and you want to consider a career change, there are many TAFEs and Universities where you could gain accreditation. Consider attending an open day and ask what might be right for you.
The Perks of the Job
Teaching is an occupation that can be incredibly fulfilling, giving people life-long careers worthy of remembrance. In addition, teacher’s unions are always negotiating for increased pay and job security putting teaching as one of the highest rated for job satisfaction
Salary
Teaching offers competitive wages, starting with a base salary of about $75,000 a year for a graduate position. According to Australian national statistics, the average salary for a qualified teacher is $85,000 annually.
Work-Life Balance
While many professional careers often leave people time poor, teaching still provides a great balance between an engaging work-life and the flexibility of time off.
Shorter Work Days
Adding to the excellent work-life balance of teaching is the fact that your time at work ends when the bell rings. This leaves you with the flexibility to do paperwork in the comfort of your own home, or if you prefer, in your own time on weekends.
School Holidays
We all look forward to school holidays, and, as a teacher you can look forward to them again. With about 10 weeks of school holidays a year, you’ll be sure to have lots of time to yourself to travel and prepare your lesson plans.
Variety
No two days are the same when you teach, and each day is set around your specific work plan. You might teach mixed subjects, work at different locations, and with the end of each year a new class full of students is sure to arrive bringing fresh faces to meet.
Job Security
Teaching is, and always has been, a secure profession, with plenty of opportunities for promotion and new locations to work. With the availability of substitute teachers, you can take time off when sick, without letting your students down.
Additional Resources
There is plenty of information available on the Australian Government website for those interested in studying or applying for teaching jobs. You will find all contact information available for your applications, including the prerequisites for working as a qualified teacher in Australia.
The Long Road Ahead
Teaching can be a fulfilling and life-long career for those with a strong work ethic. You may have had a teacher that passed on the right skills and knowledge that you use today. As a teacher you could have that same impact on many other people. If you think you have what it takes to shape the next generation, then find the next open days for your nearest universities, and don’t hesitate to ask them for more information on your future.
