Primary Teaching

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Postgraduate Degree

Faculty of Education and Arts

Description

The Master of Teaching (Primary) program aims to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for a highly successful career in teaching. Graduates of this program will be able to apply for registration with NSW Institute of Teachers and be able to teach years K-6 in and beyond the NSW Government, Catholic, and Independent school sectors.  Graduates may require retraining to qualify for accreditation in other states.

 

The program aims to develop professional educators with a range of advanced skills both within and beyond the class room. Leadership, innovation, and an ability to engage constructively with public discourse are key attributes which graduates will acquire through this course.

 

The Masters of Primary Teaching is open to students who have previously completed a bachelor degree from a recognised university or equivalent tertiary education institution. The program will contain a practical experience component that meets the current NSW Institute of Teachers (NSWIT) requirements for professional experience during a degree. Working with children checks, prohibited person checks and national police certificates will be required to complete this program.

 

Australian Accreditation

All states and territories except the ACT require teachers to be registered before applying for employment. The regulatory authorities determine the qualification requirements and conditions for employment which may vary among authorities due to different schooling structures, curriculum and assessment approaches.

NSW Institute of Teachers

Queensland College of Teachers

Teacher Registration Board of the NT

Teacher Registration Board of SA

Teachers Registration Board Tasmania

Victorian Institute of Teaching

Western Australian College of Teaching

Private schools may have other criteria for employment eg religious education training.

 

View our Master of Teaching (Primary) in the Program Handbook and the online prospectus What Can I Study?.

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Sample Jobs

Graduates gain employment in a range of teaching and teaching related roles, however the knowledge and skills of teacher trained graduates means that they can gain employment in a very broad range of jobs. Below is a sample of job titles and descriptions that includes positions suitable for teaching graduates as well as positions that will require further study or experience.

Getting the Edge

Most employers seek to recruit people who have relevant work experience and an appreciation for their industry. Here is a check list of ideas about gaining experience and industry knowledge.

  1. Check the type of experience most employers in your field of interest expect. Don’t overlook the part time work you may be currently doing. Most employers understand that the skills are transferrable even if the work is not in their industry.
  2. Check your academic program for any courses that involve a placement or the opportunity to undertake an industry based project.
  3. Check your school for Summer Scholarships for research opportunities.
  4. Check vacancy sites for advertised traineeships, part time employment and vacation work opportunities in your field.
  5. Source and approach organisations directly about possible work shadowing or information interview opportunities.
  6. Source and approach organisations directly for paid work opportunities.
  7. Consider volunteering.

Note: Gaining experience may be important but not at the expense of your studies. Make sure you do not overload your timetable with unrealistic work commitments.

 

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Sample Employers

Recruitment Timing

Some large organisations have specific graduate recruitment programs designed to employ the pick of graduates each year. You must be in your final year of study or recently completed to apply for these programs. The timing of these recruitment drives varies and may occur at any point in the academic year, in some cases starting as early as the first few weeks of the first semester or trimester.

Find out if employers in your area/s of interest have graduate programs, when they typically recruit and what recruitment methods they use. Check with the Careers Service .

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Societies and Associations

Associations and societies often provide relevant and up to date information about a variety of issues relating to specific industry sectors. These can be a good starting point to learn more about occupations through profiles, industry news, links to academic journals and information on research developments. Many also offer student membership, conference and professional development activities, newsletters and the opportunity to participate in projects.


Don’t overlook student societies and associations. As well as student chapters of professional associations, some faculties or schools have discipline based student associations. Check your school or faculty web site; perhaps you might start one if one doesn’t exist.

Some academic disciplines run Seminar Programs that involve regular seminars presented by University of Newcastle academics, visiting academics and postgraduate students. Check your schools website for the timetable.

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Job Search Sites

Searching job sites is a good way to gain an understanding of: industries recruiting professionals in this field; types of roles and the requirements or expectations of employers for these roles. There are many online job search sites, here are a few to start with:

Australian and International

  • CareerHub: the University of Newcastle Careers Service careers and job search site for enrolled students and graduates.

Australian

  • CareerOne: Australia wide job listings, all levels and industries including executive positions
  • MyCareer: Australian and international listings
  • Seek: comprehensive Australian job listings, also includes New Zealand and UK listings
  • The Big Chair: Management and Executive Jobs

International