How to become a primary school teacher

How to become a primary school teacher in Australia

Thinking about becoming a primary school teacher? Primary school teachers shape children during some of their most formative years, helping them develop foundational knowledge and skills that can set them up for life. 

If you’re looking for a career that combines creativity with structured learning and a whole lot of patience, becoming a primary school teacher might be a good fit for you. 

With an education degree from UNSW, one of the top-ranked education universities in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2026), you’ll have the opportunity to learn from world-class practitioners and transform the lives of primary school children.

In this guide, we’ll outline the steps to qualify as a primary school teacher, what a primary school teacher does, and the many paths teachers can take throughout their careers.

What do primary school teachers do?

Primary school teachers look after the intellectual, physical and social development of children aged 5 and 11 (from kindergarten or preschool to year 6 or 7 in Australia). They play a central role in shaping a child’s early learning experience, supporting both academic achievement and personal growth.

Primary school teachers' responsibilities include:

• Planning and delivering lessons across a range of subjects, including English, maths, science, the arts and physical education
• Adapting lessons to suit different learning needs and abilities
• Monitoring and supporting students’ academic progress
• Managing classroom behaviour and creating a safe, inclusive learning environment
• Communicating regularly with parents and carers about student progress
• Collaborating with colleagues and other education professionals
• Supporting students’ emotional wellbeing and social development
• Identifying and responding to learning difficulties or special needs

Primary school teachers are role models for their students who inspire a love of learning and can help instil confidence and self-worth in young minds. 

What skills does a primary school teacher need?

Primary teacher skills are based on a wide blend of human-centred strengths and technical teaching capabilities. 

While some people have a natural affinity with children, you will develop most of your teaching skills over time. You will learn how to plan lessons, manage behaviour, adapt to different learning needs and communicate clearly with families. Great primary teachers are part educator, part mentor and part facilitator. 

Here are some of the skills you need to become a primary school teacher:

Teachers also need to keep up with a rapidly changing society, says Thu Ngo, senior lecturer at UNSW School of Education:

“Teaching has changed as the result of fast evolving knowledge, technology development and social diversity. Teachers in today’s classrooms must keep themselves up-to-date with these changes.”

What qualifications do you need to be a primary school teacher​? 

To become a primary school teacher in Australia, you’ll need to complete an accredited initial teacher education program and meet state-based registration requirements. You’ll also complete supervised professional placements to build real-world classroom experience.

The path you take may depend on whether you’re starting straight from high school or transitioning from another career.

Pathway to teaching for high school leavers

Here are the steps to become a primary school teacher if you're a recent high school leaver. 

1. Apply for a Bachelor of Education (Primary)
   Choose an accredited undergraduate primary teaching degree from a leading university that qualifies you to teach primary-aged students.
   
   
2. Complete professional teaching placements
   Gain hands-on experience in classrooms during your degree, preparing you for the realities of teaching.
   
   
3. Meet English and maths proficiency requirements
   Ensure you meet the academic entry standards and pass any mandated assessments, such as the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE).
   
   
4. Apply for state-based accreditation
   Once you graduate, register with the relevant teaching authority in your state or territory.

Pathway to teaching for postgraduates or career changers

Here are the steps to become a primary school teacher if you already have an undergraduate degree or are a mature-aged student.

1. Enrol in a Master of Teaching (Primary) 
   Study an accredited primary teaching postgraduate program that prepares you for primary school teaching.
   
   
2. Undertake supervised professional experience 
   Complete school placements during your degree to develop your teaching skills and confidence.
   
   
3. Apply for registration with a teaching authority 
   Seek accreditation in the state or territory where you plan to teach.
   
   
4. Maintain professional learning 
   Once employed, continue to meet professional development requirements to maintain your registration.

What does a primary school teacher's career path look like?

A primary teaching career can take many forms depending on your interests and strengths. 

Within a school, you could progress to become a lead teacher, year coordinator, deputy principal or principal. Or you could branch out into a specific area, such as literacy, STEM, learning support or wellbeing.

Outside of a specific school, there are opportunities to work as a curriculum or pedagogy specialist, or move into policy, educational consultancy, teacher mentoring, or initial teacher education.

Or you could move out of the school system altogether and work as a corporate trainer or social worker, or change the focus to the tertiary education sector. 

How to know if primary school teaching is for you

If you are keen to make a difference to a child’s life and want to share the gift of learning to make a difference to future generations, primary teaching could be your calling. 

The variety of work, camaraderie with your fellow teachers and the satisfaction of seeing your students develop over the year are very rewarding. There is also a high demand for teachers due to Australia’s population growth.

How UNSW prepares you for a future in primary teaching

At UNSW, you’ll learn from leading education researchers and experienced classroom teachers in a supportive, future-focused learning environment. We’re recognised among the world’s top universities for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).

Our bachelor's and master’s teaching programs combine evidence-based theory with real-world experience. From your first year, you’ll gain classroom confidence with a minimum of 80 days of supervised professional placement across multiple schools.

“The research-informed nature of the programs prepare preservice teachers for evolving knowledge, technology advancement and social diversity,” says Thu Ngo.
“The practice-based approach provides preservice teachers with opportunities to apply themselves in teaching performance and spontaneous problem solving, building their teaching confidence before graduation.”

With early exposure to the classroom and expert guidance every step of the way, UNSW will help you build the skills, insight and resilience to thrive as a primary school teacher.