Education & Training
"Your passion for science will ignite the interests of students and will encourage them to pursue careers in science, which is really important for Australia's future."
DR STEPHEN ZANDER, PRESIDENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Effective public and political discourse about complex issues depends on a shared understanding of facts and good communication. It has never been more important for science to be taught well by trained experts. Many of Australia’s leading scientists describe the classroom as the first place they accessed scientific discovery and experimentation, where their interest in science was born and nurtured. Science teachers have a direct impact on the number and quality of scientists working in Australia, as well as the overall scientific literacy of the community. They have an essential role in maintaining and promoting the role of science in society.
Dr Stephen Zander, President of the Australian Science Teachers Association agrees. "As a science teacher you have the opportunity of exposing students to the latest scientific breakthroughs and the knowledge that really makes a difference to our everyday lives. Your passion for science will ignite the interest of students and will hopefully encourage them to pursue careers in science, which is really important for Australia’s future," he says.
Education specialists are also found outside the classroom. Many decide to work in research, curriculum and policy development, corporate training and educational administration. Science educators can also be found teaching curriculum linked shows and workshops in museums, zoos, outdoor education centers and on the road with programs like Questacon’s travelling Science Circus and Smart Moves.
An Australian education qualification is internationally recognised, and provides excellent opportunities for work overseas. Teachers and educators are highly employable, usually with good working conditions, holidays, long service leave and family friendly hours.
To be formally recognised as a teacher, science graduates need to combine their science degree with a Bachelor of Education or complete an extra qualification such as a Graduate Diploma or Master of Teaching, both of which will involve practical classroom training.
A range of government incentives and scholarships exist to encourage more people to consider a career in education, especially in rural and remote areas.
In NSW, primary and secondary teachers are required to be accredited with the NSW Institute of Teachers.
Starting salary
High school teacher: $57,000-60,000
Source: NSW Government School Classification
Industry bodies/associations
- Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA)
- Association of Independent Schools of NSW
- Catholic Education office
Government bodies
- NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC)
- Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
- NSW Institute of Teachers
Courses to consider
Consider enrolling in one of the following courses and majors to prepare yourself for a career in Education & Training.
Our courses:
- B Education (Secondary Education: Mathematics)/B Science
- B Liberal Arts and Science
- B Psychology
- B Science
- B Science (Advanced)
- B Science (Advanced Mathematics)
Our majors: