In a world where digital technology is redefining what’s possible, secondary school teachers have a crucial role to play in helping students understand how their unique interests and skills can translate into meaningful and fulfilling professional work.
This, alongside the many unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, means the Australian economy is in the midst of significant transformation and economic recovery, all while adapting to ongoing digital disruption.
With a predicted shortfall of secondary school teachers over the next five years, the Department of Education and Training (DET) is seeking to increase our national supply.
This means that quality secondary school teachers will have a fundamental role to play in supporting broad economic recovery.
Pathways through innovation
The jobs of the future won’t look exactly like the jobs of the present, highlighting the need for today’s secondary students to be adaptable and flexible in pursuit of their preferred careers.
The simple truth is that today’s graduates will need to be ready to navigate technology-centric careers that are set to define the future workforce.
In this context, secondary education forms a vital bridge for students to embark on their professional lives. Secondary school teachers have a key responsibility to prepare students for this emerging world of future workplaces and professions.
Transition to teaching
Being a secondary school teacher is an exciting career choice, one in which you’ll be constantly challenging yourself to find new ways to empower your students.
There is a growing understanding in Australia that supporting masters-level teaching education – following a flexible online model – is essential, particularly as secondary teachers often transition into the field from other careers, bringing with them a wealth of skills and experience.
Flexibility: making a transition into teaching possible
Flexibility forms a core part of the Master of Teaching (Secondary). If you’re able to dedicate more time to study, you can complete your degree at an accelerated pace, navigating a successful career transition in only a year and a half. Or, if you’re planning a long-term transition while you continue to work, you can slow that pace down and study part time when you need to.
The course itself is a blend of in-school experience and online coursework, ensuring you graduate with a well-balanced assortment of pedagogical knowledge and practical classroom teaching skills. The Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA) – your final pre-service teaching requirement – is integrated into your professional experience unit. Upon graduation, you will have fulfilled all your Ready to Teach requirements and be fully prepared to set foot into the classroom.
Social purpose: the challenges ahead
Secondary school graduates are confronting a world that is more complex and interconnected than ever before. The social purpose of education is as vital now as it’s ever been to support young Australians and equip them with the skills they need to find their place in the world.
Find your own place too, as a teacher guiding future generations. Ensure your students have the independent mindset and confidence to tackle the collective challenges that lie just over the horizon.
Set on your own teaching journey with the Master of Teaching (Secondary) today. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our dedicated course consultants on 1300 069 765.
