Exploring careers in teaching

Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher? Are you looking for a job as a teacher?

Careers in teaching allow  you to make a real difference in students’ lives. Many teachers also choose to specialise in areas that interest them.

So what are the benefits of careers in teaching?

Benefits of careers in teaching

• Supporting students’ growth: Teaching lets you guide students through key stages of development, help them overcome challenges, and build their confidence and interests.
• Making a lasting impact: You can model empathy, positivity, and communication skills—and share your passions to inspire your students.
• Giving back through education: Teaching allows you to support families, promote inclusion, and contribute to a more equitable and engaged community.
• Being part of a strong professional network: Teachers connect with like-minded colleagues, share strategies, and support each other through challenges.
• Keeping learning and growing: Teaching helps build and sharpen skills like leadership, communication, organisation, and adaptability.
• Enjoying a creative and dynamic career: You can explore different subjects, express your personality, and keep learning fun and engaging.
• Enjoying secure and stable employment: Demand for teachers remains high and is expected to continue growing.
• Benefiting from generous holidays: Teachers receive extended leave, including Christmas and public holidays.

Roles in teaching

Early Childhood

Early childhood teachers work in day cares, kindergartens, playgroups, parent education or specialist teacher programs. They work with children in individual or group settings.

Primary

Primary teachers are responsible for a group of children, with most of the day usually spent with one class. Generally, primary teachers will be expected to teach across seven key learning areas. These are: English, Mathematics, science, technology, health and physical education, the arts and studies of society and the environment. Some primary teachers specialise in subjects such as art, music, languages other than English or Physical Education.

Secondary

Secondary school teachers usually teach 2 or more subjects to various classes through to VCE level. High School teachers have many opportunities for creativity, devising learning programs in their area of expertise that are exciting and challenging for students.

Special Education

Special Education teachers work with primary or secondary students who have learning difficulties, a disability or impairment. You may work in a specialist setting or mainstream school, in a regular classroom, with groups of students or on an individual basis

In mainstream schools, special education teachers are involved with the planning and implementing inclusive programs to enable students with difficulties to function successfully in the regular classroom.

Principal

School principal roles involve leading the planning, delivery, and ongoing improvement of education for all students in the school community.This is done by using resources from the Department and school community effectively.

Responsibilities of principals include:

• Making sure all students receive a high-quality and well-rounded education
• Providing a safe and supportive environment for children, meeting child safety standards
• Carrying out decisions made by the school council
• Supporting and guiding the work of the school council as its executive officer
• Overseeing the school’s finances in line with Department and school council rules
• Acting as the Department’s representative within the school and the local community
• Taking part in broader education projects, including policy and planning
• Managing the school’s staff, time, and resources effectively
• Working with staff, students and the community to shape and review school programs and policies
• Sharing updates with the Department, parents and the school community on school and student progress

Assistant Principal

Assistant principals are mainly responsible for managing key areas or functions within the school. Their role helps ensure the school effectively delivers, improves, and evaluates its education programs.

They can make important decisions about programs, budgets, and staff in their assigned area, working within the school’s strategic plan, policies, and budget. Assistant principals also help lead the school by being involved in decision-making and policy development.

Their work often includes analysing student needs and turning government education policies into programs that support all learners.

Typically, assistant principals oversee how staff and budgets are used in a specific part of the school and lead the planning and delivery of the educational programs in that area.

Responsibilities of an assistant principal include:

• Overseeing and supporting senior curriculum and year-level coordinators
• Managing budgets, staff roles, and resources within assigned areas
• Ensuring a child-safe environment, following child safety standards
• Supervising the delivery of teaching and learning programs
• Running programs that support staff learning and professional growth
• Handling discipline issues that go beyond classroom or year-level management
• Taking part in the overall leadership and decision-making of the school
• Managing operations on specific campuses in multi-campus schools
• Approving final curriculum proposals before they are sent to the school council
• Leading staff performance reviews and support their professional development

Are you looking at a career as a teacher but don’t know where to start? Selection Criteria Writers can help. We offer various services including professional career coaching and interview skills coaching.

Article References

Indeed (5 March 2025) ‘Why Become a Teacher? 15 Reasons’, Indeed, accessed 17 June 2025.

Public Service Resumes (n.d) ‘Careers in focus: Teaching’, Public Service Resumes, accessed 17 June 2025.

Victorian Government (n.d) ‘Roles and Responsibilities — Teaching Service’, Victorian Government, accessed 17 June 2025.

Victorian Government (n.d) ‘Types of teacher’, Victorian Government, accessed 17 June 2025.