Secondary School Teacher
Educate and inspire secondary students by teaching specialist subjects, supporting learning and helping young people develop their skills.
What They Do
Secondary School Teachers educate students across the secondary years, usually specialising in one or more subject areas such as English, mathematics, science, humanities, technology, languages, health or the arts.
Their work involves planning and delivering lessons, explaining concepts, preparing learning materials, assessing student progress and providing feedback. Teachers also maintain classroom records, communicate with parents and carers, participate in staff meetings and contribute to school activities and programs.
Beyond academic learning, secondary teachers play an important role in supporting students' confidence, development and preparation for further education, training and employment.
Who This Career Suits
This career suits people who enjoy helping others learn, communicating ideas and working with young people. Strong teachers are patient, organised and adaptable, and are comfortable explaining the same concept in different ways.
It can be particularly rewarding for people who have a strong interest in a particular subject and enjoy sharing that knowledge with others. Confidence, empathy, resilience and the ability to build positive relationships are important, as teachers regularly work with students who have different abilities, personalities and learning needs.
Key Skills
Communication, Leadership, Organisation, Problem Solving, Adaptability, Empathy, Presentation, Subject Knowledge
Work Environment
School, Classroom, Indoor, Team-Based
Education & Training
Secondary School Teachers generally need a university qualification in secondary education. A common pathway is completing a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), which combines teaching studies with specialist subject areas such as English, mathematics, science, humanities, technology or the arts.
Another pathway is completing a bachelor degree in a relevant subject area followed by an accredited postgraduate teaching qualification, such as a Master of Teaching (Secondary).
Teaching courses include supervised professional placements in schools, giving students practical classroom experience before graduating. To work as a teacher, graduates must also meet the teacher registration requirements of the state or territory in which they intend to work.
Career Changer Pathway
Career changers who already hold a bachelor degree may be able to transition into secondary teaching by completing an accredited postgraduate teaching qualification, such as a Master of Teaching (Secondary).
Previous professional experience can be particularly valuable when it relates to a school subject area. For example, people with backgrounds in science, engineering, technology, business or the arts may be able to use their existing knowledge as the foundation for a teaching specialisation.
Before enrolling, career changers should check the entry requirements of the teaching course and the teacher registration requirements in their state or territory.
Early Career
Early-career Secondary School Teachers focus on developing confidence in the classroom, lesson planning, student assessment and behaviour management. They typically work closely with experienced teachers and school leaders while building their teaching practice.
During these first years, teachers develop their subject delivery skills, learn how to support students with different learning needs and become familiar with school policies, curriculum requirements and communication with parents and carers.
Mid Career
Experienced Secondary School Teachers often take greater responsibility for curriculum development, mentoring newer teachers and coordinating subjects, year levels or school programs.
They may develop expertise in particular teaching methods or student needs and can progress into positions such as Year Coordinator, Head of Department, Learning Area Leader or other middle-leadership roles.
Senior / Veteran Career
Senior teachers may progress into school leadership, specialist education or broader education-sector roles. Opportunities can include Head of Department, Assistant Principal, Deputy Principal and Principal positions, depending on experience and additional leadership responsibilities.
Experienced teachers may also move into curriculum development, teacher mentoring, education policy, professional learning, assessment, educational consulting or teacher training.
Salary Guide
Early Career
80000
Mid Career
105000
Senior / Veteran
125000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
28 September 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
Employment opportunities for Secondary School Teachers remain strong across Australia, with continuing demand for qualified teachers across the education system. Opportunities can vary by location and teaching specialisation, with demand particularly influenced by subject area and workforce needs.
Jobs and Skills Australia reports approximately 161,400 Secondary School Teachers employed nationally, with annual employment growth of around 6,400 workers. Education continues to be an important area of workforce demand, with shortages persisting across parts of the sector.
Teachers with in-demand subject specialisations and those willing to work in regional or harder-to-staff locations may have access to a broader range of employment opportunities.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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