Becoming A Law Teacher: Australia's Requirements And Pathways

To become a law teacher in Australia, you must first obtain a university-level teaching degree. This can be a four-year Bachelor of Education degree or a combination of a three-year undergraduate degree and a one-year graduate diploma or Master's in Education. You will also need at least one to two years of teaching experience.

Once you have obtained your degree and gained some experience, you can start applying for teaching positions. The academic year in Australia runs from late January to late December, so it is best to apply for jobs in early September. You can find open teaching positions online or by contacting schools directly.

If you are moving to Australia from another country, you will need to complete an Assessment of Overseas Teaching Qualifications and obtain a visa. You can then plan your move, including finding a place to live and opening a bank account.

Becoming a law teacher in Australia requires dedication and hard work, but it can be a rewarding career choice for those passionate about inspiring the next generation.

University qualifications

To become a teacher in Australia, you must have a university-level teaching degree. This can be a four-year Bachelor of Education degree from a legitimate university or college. Alternatively, you may qualify with a three-year undergraduate degree in Education and a one-year graduate diploma or Master's in Education.

If you don't have a degree and want to become a teacher, the Bachelor of Education is for you. If you already have a degree, the Master of Teaching will be your ticket to becoming a teacher.

In most states and territories, there are two common pathways:

• Complete a four-year teaching degree, which, depending on where you studied, qualifies you to become an early childhood or primary school teacher and, in some circumstances, a secondary school teacher. An exception to this is a three-year accelerated Bachelor of Education (Primary) offered by Deakin, which can fast-track your career.
• Complete an undergraduate degree in a specific discipline like science or music, plus a postgraduate teaching degree.

You will also need to successfully complete the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students before graduating.

Once you have completed your teaching qualification, you will need to apply for and maintain teacher registration or accreditation with your relevant state or territory body. This registration will need to be maintained for the duration of your teaching career.

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood teachers play an integral role in the development of a child's language, vocabulary, numeracy and social skills. Due to the vulnerable nature of young children, early childhood teachers often require a specialised qualification, such as a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education.

The National Quality Framework (NQF) sets the national standard of care for children five years of age and younger who are not enrolled in school, or for primary school children enrolled in out-of-school hours of care. As per the NQF, to work in a centre-based education and care service with children in kindergarten or preschool, you are required to hold an approved diploma-level qualification in education.

Primary School Education

Primary school teachers in Australia teach from Kindergarten/Prep/Year 1 through to Year 6, with children typically aged between five and 12. Primary school teachers are required to complete a four-year teaching degree such as a Bachelor of Education (Primary). If your undergraduate degree is unrelated to teaching, you will need to complete a graduate-entry teaching degree such as a Master of Teaching (Primary).

Your teaching qualification must include the equivalent of one year of full-time study in one of the following key learning areas:

• Science and Technology
• Human Society and its Environment
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
• Creative Arts and Practical Arts

Middle School Education

At this level, you will need to implement education programs for 10-15-year-olds, spanning Years 6-10. You will need to specialise in at least two of the following subjects: English, Health and Physical Education, Languages, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), Technology and Enterprise, or the Arts.

To qualify for positions at this level, you must have a Bachelor of Education with a specialisation in middle school learning.

Secondary School Education

In secondary education, you will be teaching students aged 16-18, spanning Years 7-12. As part of the curriculum in Australia, you will need to prepare students for post-secondary education or employment. You will also need to teach one of the six main subjects, developing key skills in that subject.

To qualify to be a secondary school teacher, you must have a one-year Bachelor of Education that focuses on secondary education. Alternatively, you can qualify if you have at least a three-year undergraduate degree in a specific subject and a one-year graduate diploma or a Master's in Secondary Education.

Registration with the state

Once you have completed your teaching qualification, you will need to apply for and maintain teacher registration or accreditation with your relevant state or territory body. This is a mandatory step to teach in Australia.

Associate Professor Matthew Thomas from Deakin University's School of Education says:

> Schools can’t employ teachers without registration... It’s a bit like car rego – there’s a yearly fee and it’s ongoing. You need to keep it up-to-date and pay for it each year. Plus, there are things you need to do to keep that registration current, such as completing a certain amount of professional development each year.

The process for registration will depend on the state or territory in which you plan to teach. For example, in Western Australia, you can apply for registration through the Teacher Registration Board of Australia.

Classroom experience

If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in Education, your program may include a practicum where you can gain classroom experience in a local school. This practicum can be highlighted on your resume when applying for teaching positions.

When transitioning from a career in law to teaching, it is important to consider the differences in work culture and expectations. Teaching often involves a significant amount of prep work, dealing with challenging students and parents, and collaborating with other teachers and staff. The workload can be demanding, and teachers often need to dedicate time outside of school hours to marking, lesson planning, and administrative tasks.

Additionally, it is essential to have strong organisational and time management skills to balance the demands of teaching. The first year of teaching can be particularly challenging as you adjust to the new role and environment. However, with dedication and a passion for educating, you can succeed and find teaching a rewarding career choice.

To make the transition smoother, consider connecting with other teachers and seeking support from your peers and superiors at school. Participating in school events and committees can also help you feel more involved and integrated into the school community. Remember that teaching is a noble profession that can bring you joy and satisfaction as you inspire and shape the next generation of Australians.

Visa requirements

If you are moving to Australia to teach, you will need to obtain a visa. Contact the Australian Visa Bureau for guidance on which visa category applies to you. It is recommended that you list your employer in Australia in your application to streamline the process. The visa process can take several months, so it is advisable to apply sooner rather than later to ensure you can legally work in the country. Your employer at the school in Australia can also assist you with your visa once you are hired.

Curriculum knowledge

To become a law teacher in Australia, you must first obtain a university qualification. This can be done by completing a four-year teaching degree, which qualifies you to teach at the primary or secondary school level. Alternatively, you can complete an undergraduate degree in a specific discipline, such as law, followed by a postgraduate teaching degree.

Once you have obtained your university qualification, you will need to apply for and maintain teacher registration or accreditation with your relevant state or territory body. This is a crucial step, as schools cannot employ teachers without registration. The registration process typically involves providing academic transcripts, teaching certificates, and other relevant documentation. Additionally, you may be required to complete a national literacy and numeracy test to ensure your competency in these areas.

In terms of specific curriculum knowledge, law teachers in Australia are expected to cover a range of subjects, including Criminal Law and Procedures, Equity (including Trusts), Professional Conduct (including Basic Trust Accounting), and Property Law. These subjects are known as the "Priestley 11" and are considered key areas for law teachers to master.

It is also important to note that law teaching jobs may vary in their specific requirements. For example, some positions may require producing scholarship in addition to teaching, while others may not. Therefore, it is essential to review the specific requirements and expectations of the position you are interested in before applying.

Overall, becoming a law teacher in Australia requires a combination of academic qualifications, registration, and a strong understanding of the key legal subjects that comprise the "Priestley 11.".

Frequently asked questions