The University of Newcastle is the leading University in quality teaching, research and practice. The Master of Teaching (Primary) program at the University of Newcastle aims to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for a highly successful career in teaching.

Graduates of this program will be able to seek employment as K-6 (Primary) teachers in and beyond the New South Wales (NSW Government, Catholic, and Independent school sectors).

The program aims to develop graduates who are inspirational teachers with the capability to act professionally, ethically and effectively in their Primary school destinations; insightful scholars with the capability to engage in rational enquiry into curriculum, policy and practice; and innovative leaders with the capability to play a constructive role in public discourse on and beyond education.

The Master of Teaching (Primary) program is offered as a 2 year full time program or part-time equivalent. The program requires the successful completion of 160 units that are normally offered as 40 units per semester for four semesters. Students will complete the equivalent of 60 days professional experience in relevant school settings.

In-school professional teaching experiences may involve placement in schools in a variety of geographic regions outside the Newcastle area. In-school professional teaching experiences are supervised by school or university staff, and students are expected to satisfy a range of professional teaching competencies as part of the successful completion of the program.

Now is a great time for you to get into teaching. Teachers are in demand both nationally and internationally, and this demand is only expected to increase as the current teaching workforce reaches retirement age.

According to the NSW Department of Education, demand for teachers is particularly strong in the secondary teaching areas of mathematics, science, technology, English, special education, legal studies, business studies and commerce.

However, teachers of all secondary subjects as well as primary teachers can find work, often fulltime, and certainly as casual and temporary teachers throughout NSW. Similar opportunities for graduates exist across State and Territory systems of education as well as in Catholic and Independent schools.

There are fantastic opportunities for teachers to take their professional knowledge and work across the globe. The recruitment of Australian teaching graduates is particularly strong in countries across Asia, the United Kingdom and the Americas, but similar opportunities can be found throughout the world.

A Graduate Certificate in Theology http://www.newcastle.edu.au/program/12211.html can provide training and development in theology for prospective teachers who are looking for a competitive edge when seeking employment in religious schools, especially the Catholic School system.

The program can be undertaken concurrently with either an undergraduate or postgraduate teacher training program. You will need to ensure that you are able to meet the demands of both programs.

For further information on how to apply please see FAQ's - Grad Cert Theology Admission Procedure document in the 'further information' section above.

Graduates of an accredited initial teacher education program will be eligible for registration with the NSW Institute of Teachers, and can pursue careers as teachers or educators in both the NSW Department of Education and Training, Catholic Education and Independent school systems; and in public and private sectors both nationally and internationally.