Teacher - Primary

Summary

Primary school teachers educate primary school children by planning and conducting an education program to develop literacy, numeracy and the physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth of their students.

Duties & Tasks

Primary school teachers may perform the following tasks:

  • prepare daily and longer-term lesson plans in accordance with curriculum guidelines
  • teach a full range of learning areas, including English (reading, writing, speaking and listening), mathematics, science, technology, society and environment, creative arts, personal development, health and physical education
  • develop children's interests, abilities and coordination using creative activities such as art, music and sport
  • use computers to assist with lesson preparation, teaching and reporting
  • develop and maintain good working habits and discipline in classrooms
  • carry out administrative duties
  • supervise students during classes and at other times in the school day, including in the playground during breaks
  • attend staff meetings and other training and development sessions
  • take part in joint decision-making about educational issues
  • assess and evaluate students' progress in written and oral work
  • discuss students' progress and concerns with parents and administrators
  • assist with and organise sporting activities, school concerts and excursions
  • prepare for and attend parent/teacher interviews and other functions.

Specialisations

Aboriginal Education Teacher (Primary)

An Aboriginal education teacher (primary) teaches specially designed programs to Indigenous primary school students.

Teacher Librarian - Primary

A teacher librarian - primary manages the school's learning resources in addition to undertaking the duties of a teacher. Teacher librarians play a key role in teaching cross-curricular skills in information literacy and provide professional development for other teachers. They help students to seek, critically evaluate, synthesise and present information using a range of resources and information technologies. They expose students to a variety of genres (writing styles) in print and digital formats, and promote the best quality literature and authors to reflect different cultures and themes. Teacher librarians make sure that the library resource centre is multi-functional and a focal point for student learning.

Working Conditions

Primary school teachers need to continually update their subject knowledge and teaching methods through private study and professional development activities. With further training and experience, a primary school teacher may be promoted to a position of educational leadership, such as primary school principal.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy working with children
  • creative and organised
  • patient in dealing with students of differing abilities
  • able to communicate simply and clearly
  • prepared to work out-of-school hours.

Related Courses:

Related Careers