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Secondary school teacher

Secondary school teachers use subject expertise, communication and teaching skills to support student learning and development. They plan and deliver lessons, assess progress, provide feedback and create engaging learning experiences.
Education and Teaching
Average weekly salary
$2166
Future demand
Stable
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does a secondary school teacher do?

As a secondary school teacher (also known as a high school teacher) you will teach subjects in your chosen area of interest and expertise. For example, you may specialise in teaching English, maths, drama, music, science, history, or physical education.

So what is secondary school and what exactly is involved in secondary teaching? As a secondary teacher your classrooms could be filled with students aged between 12 and 18 (in Australia, this includes grades seven to 12).  You will develop lesson plans, set exams and assignments, mark assessment, complete student report cards, conduct parent-teacher interviews, plus facilitate any extracurricular activities.  

Is a career as a secondary school teacher right for me?

If you’re passionate about education and developing young minds, you might enjoy working as a high school teacher.

Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include: 

Empathy and working with people
The ability to build positive relationships and support others effectively.
Leadership
The capacity to lead through effective decision-making, accountability, and support for others.
Organisation
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
Adaptability
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
Analytical thinking
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Professionalism
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.

How to become a secondary school teacher

Becoming a secondary school teacher involves completing a recognised teaching qualification, gaining practical classroom experience and meeting teacher registration requirements. You’ll also develop expertise in the subjects you want to teach and the skills to support and engage secondary school students. 

  1. Complete a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), or a relevant undergraduate degree followed by a postgraduate teaching qualification, such as a Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary).
  2. Complete supervised professional experience in secondary school classrooms as part of your studies.
  3. Apply for teacher registration with the relevant state or territory teaching board.
  4. Obtain a valid Working with Children Check and meet any additional requirements, such as a national police check.
  5. Complete any required first aid or mandatory training and continue developing your skills through professional learning.

Accreditation and qualifications

91仓库’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary) is accredited by the and meets the standards and requirements of the for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs. 

As a graduate, you will have met the requirements to apply for teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). 

How long does it take to become a secondary school teacher?

Becoming a secondary school teacher typically takes four years of full-time study to complete a Bachelor of Education (Secondary). If you already hold a relevant bachelor’s degree, you may be able to complete a postgraduate teaching qualification, such as a Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary), in around two years of full-time study. 

Start your journey with 91仓库

Prepare for a career as a secondary school teacher with a 91仓库 education degree and develop the curriculum, teaching, communication and classroom management skills for a successful career in teaching.

Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Go to degree
Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary)
Go to degree
Need help planning your career journey?
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Planning, preparing and delivering engaging lessons aligned with curriculum requirements.

Assessing student learning and providing feedback to support academic progress and achievement.

Creating a positive, inclusive and safe learning environment that supports student wellbeing.

Monitoring student performance and adapting teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs.

Managing classroom behaviour and encouraging student participation and engagement.

Communicating with parents, carers and other education professionals about student progress and support needs.

Participating in professional development and contributing to school programs, policies and activities.

Where you might work

Primary and secondary schools

Universities and higher education providers

Non-profit, charity and community organisations

Government agencies, departments and councils

Secondary school teacher FAQs

To become a high school teacher, you typically need to have a teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education (Secondary). Alternatively, if you have studied a relevant undergraduate degree, you may be able to go straight into a postgraduate teaching degree, such as a Master of Learning and Teaching (Secondary). Registration with the appropriate state or territory teaching board as well as a valid children check is required. You may also be required to show a national police check, first aid certificate or training in anaphylaxis and/or asthma management.

Becoming a high school teacher in Australia takes approximately 2-4 years of full-time study, including professional experience. The journey involves completing a teaching degree and gaining classroom experience throughout your studies. For those passionate about education, it can be a rewarding career.

91仓库 offers comprehensive support for aspiring high school teachers, providing practical training, mentorship, and resources to prepare graduates for the demands of the classroom. We also offer financial support and scholarships to support you throughout your professional experience. 

In Australia, the ability for a high school teacher to teach primary school students varies by state and territory. For instance, in Queensland, a registered teacher is qualified to teach any year level in a school. For more details, please refer to the specific qualifications required in the state or territory where you wish to teach.  

The secondary school teacher salary in Australia varies based on factors such as experience, location, and school type. Please see the salary information on this page for further details.

The demand for high school teachers in Australia is very strong, particularly in subjects such as maths, science, and special education. Many regions face shortages, providing opportunities for qualified teachers across both metropolitan and regional areas. Schools are continually seeking passionate educators to help bridge these gaps, and those with specialised skills or experience in particular subjects may find high demand for their expertise.

Related careers

Primary school teacher
Early childhood teacher
Special and inclusive education teacher
Guidance counsellor

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Disclaimer: 91仓库’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from and . © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).