Reading articles about how NSW LABOR education minister announcing their plan to slowly wipe out music and drama major for year 11-12 breaks my heart. However to some extent I felt this was "reasonable" because those subjects usually have less than 5 kids studying with not great art teachers. But it's sad because those 5 kids are usually really passionate and good at them. So in my opinion there should be more art specialised schools that have selective enrolment for more efficient delivery in arts education; id say high schools should be more specialised like science/tech/lang/econbusiness/VM focused/VPC focused etc with selective process...

Hi everyone,

I might get roasted for this, but has anyone here made the switch from being a primary school teacher to an Early Childhood Teacher (ECT)?

I've been in primary education for over 10 years in a variety of roles—including leadership, timetabling, you name it. But now that my kids are getting older, I’m realising just how much of my job has become admin, policies, documentation, and... let’s be real, a lot of whinging in staff meetings. I find myself craving the actual teaching parts again.

Our youngest is in kinder now (I'm in VIC, referring to 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten), and I was chatting with the lead teacher at their centre—who used to be a primary teacher. She told me she made the switch because ECT roles focus on the best parts of teaching:

• Building strong relationships with kids
• Watching their awe-struck faces when you turn the classroom into a dinosaur safari (or whatever the unit theme is)
• Parents who are actually happy to see you because kinder is the "fun" year

I know the pay is lower, but my partner has a well-paying job, and I work more for the purpose of it rather than financial necessity. Now that I’m out of the "little kid bubble" (aka finally sleeping again!), I feel like I have space to actually think about what I want from my career.

I’ve seen that, as a registered teacher, I can study a Cert III and gain my ECT qualification through ACECQA. But I’m wondering:

• Has anyone actually done this transition?
• Did you enjoy it?
• Were your years of experience recognised for your commencement pay level, or does the pay "reset" back to being a graduate?

Any insights or experiences would be super helpful. Thanks! 😊

The title is the best way I can frame my thoughts/question. Did you always want to be a teacher? Or was it something you decided on later in life? I am 25M and In 2020 I graduated university with a Bachelor of Design. I never ended up getting a job with this degree and ended up working retail/customer service/warehousing roles for 4 years after uni. I am sick of it, I currently work on a loading dock and I hate it, the people I work with are unpleasant, the job is not very mentally stimulating and the worst part is the pay SUCKS I make at most, 45k a year. After some research I figured out I could probably go back to uni and do my masters in teaching. I could be a qualified teacher in 2 years. I like children and I think I would work better with high school aged kids. I also think teaching something like Design, music, visual arts, some form of media based class, or graphics would be my best bet, because that’s what I’m personally drawn towards (I’m not sure what these classes are called nowadays but we will go with that).

But really my question is, was being a teacher your dream job? Or are you just doing it to pay the bills? And can you give me any tips on becoming a high school teacher, thanks!

So, this is a little bit of a vulnerable post and I just hope others can relate. For some background context: I'm 28F, this will be the fourth year of me being a teacher (worked 1 term on a contract, the rest has been CRT work - 95% primary and 5% secondary). Before that, I worked in another profession. Super organised person, always got high marks and accolades so understanding the content of the job and what I am meant to do has never been a problem.

The real problem is... as a neurodivergent individual with diagnosed "high functioning"/"low support" autism and a chronic illness, I truly don't know if I can survive much longer as a teacher if I don't implement some more concrete strategies to help cope with the hectic teaching environment. I already wear those Loop earphones to try and combat some of the noise, I already wear those anxiety rings to fidget with instead of stimming normally, I already sit alone pretty much every lunch time when I don't have a duty because I can't stand being around the noise and chatter in the staffroom (and the chatter is always about things I can never relate to anyway). I already only work 3 days a week to reduce burn out as much as possible. I already take medication and do breathing exercises when I am told I'm being called in for one class then get switched around to something completely different, or if I am with students with intense support plans I get given absolutely no information on until I have to call the office because they've done a runner or have hurt another student (I understand some people would find this to be something that keeps them on their toes, but this gives me lots of stress). I am also tired of being hurt by students myself, and given no support because "I'm just a relief teacher so it's to be expected". I didn't think being bitten, punched, kicked, spat at and having things thrown at me is to be "expected", even if I do work in a low SES area, but I digress.

So I have been trying to mitigate the issues somehow, but it still doesn't feel like enough. I still face every day with dread and anxiety. I know I'm a decent teacher - I've been told time and time again how pleased the permanent staff across the different schools I work at are with my work and am constantly requested by people to take their classes for the day if they're away. But still, every day I feel lost and trapped and hopeless because of all the behaviours and the noises and the sensory issues I have (for example, I'm constantly having to sanitise my hands after everything I touch in the classroom and my hands are almost raw from it by the end of each day).

I know people might comment and say that maybe teaching isn't for me - and I know that. I know teaching isn't for me. I fell into this after being burnt out as a young adult being in another profession in one of the most depressing areas within that profession, despite being absolutely fascinated with the theory of the work itself. I didn't know what else to move in to and now I feel stuck being a teacher in a climate that doesn't even respect the time, effort and commitment of teachers who do want to teach.

However, and I say this with utmost honesty, I am still in teaching at this point purely for the pay. There is nothing else I can think of that would pay me just shy of $500 a day (QLD State School rates) with this little amount of responsibility (with regards to being able to arrive at 8am and leave at 2:30pm, no marking, no meetings, etc.) as this amount allows me to live comfortably. My partner is also a teacher (and a damn good one who enjoys their job at that, I don't know how they do it), so it means I get to spend 12 weeks out of the year away from the rest of the world with them, which means the most to me. I am miserable at work so that all of my free time can be spent on things that actually bring me joy. It's the compromise I know I have to make to feel some level of fulfilment, because teaching itself gives me none.

With all that being said... are there any tricks or things I can do to make this easier for me? Otherwise, if anyone has ANY idea as to a different job I can move into that would work better for me, please let me know (although I have done a LOT of thinking myself on this and have consistently faced dead ends). Thank you.

I was excited to hear Craig was coming to Australia- I’m a fan of his book and his podcast. That is until I saw that a ticket costs $591.66. For reference, a front row seat to Taylor Swift only costs $379.90. What education gurus are more expensive?

Does anyone know when our new sick days are added this year?? I see the same numbers as last year?? Can I take a sick day without a certificate at this point in the year???

Hi legends, can anyone tell me if there are guidelines on how many playground duties should be allocated per teacher per week? I can’t find anything online and my Fed Rep says there are no rules regarding this, he just directs it to be as fair as possible. I understand it must be a difficult exercise to make a roster. 😒

I’m a govt school teacher in Victoria and our current EBA expires in December. Negotiations on the new one will begin in June, and I’m interested to know what perks the other states received in their fairly new agreements so that they can potentially be added to our log of claims. I know NSW had their meeting times reduced (and a pay rise), what else have you enjoyed about your new agreements? I want to hear from all school personnel- teachers, education support and principal class- you’re all important!

PS If your first reaction to this post is ‘the Vic union is crap’, instead of typing that here, consider using that energy and effort to take your ideas to your sub branch so we can work on getting what we want 🙂✊

High school teacher here. Just wondering how everybody carries their laptops, stationary and class sets between classes?

I want to be able to move quickly and safely, and ensure I don’t drop everything if I’m bumped by a student, for example.

Good evening everyone.

We are looking for a Greek teacher for a Grade 2 class, starting immediately. Every Friday night during the school year, 5-9pm.

If interested or any queries, contact Elena on 0417399415.

Any Australian teachers here who studied education at the University of the South Pacific?

I’m going into the last year of my bachelor’s this September and looking at teacher certification pathways… The University of the South Pacific’s Graduate Certificate in Education has specifically caught my attention. Just want to know if it’s recognized in Australia. Thanks!

I’m about to commence my MTeach (Sec) and hold a Bachelors degree in Science. It looks as though I may be offered a teaching position while I study teaching 7-10 science. I’m wondering what pay one might expect for such a position? While I understand I don’t hold a teaching degree, I am degree qualified and have many years experience in my field, so I’m finding valuing myself challenging.

Hi everyone, Casual teacher here in NSW. Just checking as a casual teacher all I need to complete as mandatory training is the Annual Competency Check 2025? I completed all online training last year, this just seems to easy 😂. Thanks!

I used to carry a backpack around but it needs replacing. High School teacher so need to carry books, markers laptop, handouts etc to 2-3 lessons at a time in different rooms around the school. Needs to handle stairs. I've checked out google/amazon but nothing seems to tick all the boxes.

What's working for you?

I was at my site last year teaching reception and this year I’m in upper primary. I feel very out of place and miss my receptions terribly. I’m trying my best. We returned 4 days this week and my deputy has “popped in” 3 times this week. Last year, he popped in but not often at all. Do you think this is strange?

I’ve got 5 kids who’ve got diagnosed adhd and it’s nuts. I can tell they mean well and are happy to engage but every little thing sets them off. It feels like a domino effect because they all trigger each other.

What strategies have worked for you?

I am thinking of changing up my paid subscriptions. At the moment I only have Twinkl. Are there any good ones out there for good value with useful resources. I used to have Teachstarter, but have not resubscribed for this year. Would love to know are there any other sites worth subscribing to?

Hello all, I’m from the U.S. & was wondering if anyone could help me with finding the right universities to apply for as an international student? Or provide me in the right direction!

I am looking to apply for my Masters in Teaching (primary). Goal is to start later this year or beginning of next year! I know as an international student it will be a lot of money.

Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated ^^

I havr taken on a LT role this year (higher duties) and am yet to see the higher duties payment on my pay slip. I'm wondering whether the payment should have been included on this payslip, as the first pay back at school. I would expect if one was in a contracted LT role it would have! Is it time to seek clarification from my business manager?

I have a new student who knows no English.

She is a year 5 and speaks Spanish.

I would love some advice on how I can best support her. She is observant and often follows her classmates' lead, her classmates are helpful towards her and I try to make her feel welcome. I do wellbeing check ins with her and students are making an effort to eat with her and play with her in the yard.

In class, I often need to take pause during teaching to translate the most important info for her. I don't like that I have to use my phone for this, I prefer to have my phone put away. She recently brought in an iPad but it can't connect to our wifi, so I had to hotspot and download language libraries (then remove my hotspot) so she can use her iPad to communicate.

I feel very limited in what I can teach her, I often circle back to her and clarify instructions, but she usually doesn't get it until much later and has a slow start on tasks, by then we've moved on. Especially in Maths, since there are a lot of open ended problem solving based tasks that require critical thinking. It feels very convoluted/difficult to explain over text translation. I'm trying to find a balance between helping her, supporting my class and teaching the lesson.

If anyone has advice on how I can support this student, I would appreciate it.

Hi teachers,

I’m so confused about my teaching area and would like to hear about your opinions.

I’m Master of Teaching (Secondary) student, my teaching area on uni offer is Design and Technology, and all my assignments related to lesson plan are based on Design and Tech curriculum standard from department website.

Now I’m turning into last year’s study and applied for casual accreditation (nsw), the teaching subjects granted on accreditation from NESA are Industrial Technology- graphics; industrial technology- multimedia.

Sent email to education enquiry at Uni but received unrelated answer.

Could I comprehend it as my teaching subjects are actually industrial tech instead of design and tech? And will the subjects on accreditation change after I graduate and submit new transcript?

Or the subjects are not important, just broadly see it TAS? I’m confused

Many thanks

I was wondering when does it get busy in term 1 and how many days do you often work each week?

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but I don't really know where else I would ask.

I'm 18 and will be starting my first year of uni (occupational therapy) in march. I want to try and get a job at an OSHC at a school as I see myself working with children in future, and thought that working in OSHC would be a great opportunity to do so.

I have several questions

1. Are there any casual job opportunities within OSHC?

2. I have seen online that you can work as an unqualified or qualified OSHC worker. What are the major differences between the two, and what certifications/qualifications would I need for the latter option?

3. Are the shift times consistently split shifts, M-F 7-9am and then 3-6pm? Would they be fine with me not working on Thursdays, as this is my busiest uni day?

Thanks :)

Is there a rule about teachers not having to be on duty/teaching over a certain period of time during the day without a break? E.g. something like maximum 3 hours teaching/on duty without a break? This year I have a day each fortnight in my timetable where we have a morning meeting that starts at 8.30 (and often runs til 8:50 or sometimes 8:55), then assembly, then three 50 minute periods, then a 20 minute duty all in a row which is essentially from 8:30am-12pm without a break. Is this allowed? While I do then have the second half of lunch off duty and the 4th period off, I also have IBS and while it hasn’t happened at school (yet), I sometimes need the bathroom quite urgently and feel that a meeting, assembly, 3 periods and a duty without a break is a bit much. I searched and could find some info about teachers requiring 30 or so minutes in a day of uninterrupted break, but not an answer to my scenario. I’m wondering if this is an unreasonable timetable request by Admin or if I need to just suck it up and follow the timetable without complaining. I’ll begrudgingly accept it if there’s a ruling saying I’m wrong haha.

TLDR: Can a teacher be required to work for more than 3 hours without a break?

Edited to add: Thank you to those who posted thoughtful replies! I think I was just wound up on the first day back and having the IBS thing in mind, I was anxious about an issue that might never eventuate. I’ll have a chat with the timetable organiser if my HT doesn’t get anywhere and see if it’s possible to be changed, and if it’s not, I’ll just suck it up and do it! Happy first day/week back :)

Anyone know. Ours is seen a little in the morning and disappears.

Hello, I’m a new graduate who has been working causally last year at a school who promised a class for this year. With staff stuffing they said the off chance they can’t allocate me a class, they would offer me a EAL/D role.I’ve never thought of entering a support/non main classroom role before and wanted to hear from anyone who went into a support role instead of a classroom teacher.

I honestly don’t see myself in a non classroom teacher role as I hated going from classroom to classroom as a casual. I don’t want to burn bridges as I’ve been working at this school for a year and I’ve really enjoyed it (more than other school).

*** promised a classroom teacher position, because of staff stuffing I was offered a EAL/D role. Not to sure about accepting a non classroom teacher role.

I'm a first year teacher in year 1 and I'm wanting some advice on managing the classroom. I've gone into the year expecting that they would know how to do basic classroom things from Prep however those basic classroom things I'm struggling with the most.

Things such has lining up in two lines, not talking while I'm talking, and following instructions. They are really struggling with these things even though we have been practising them all week. I have the same daily routine, I have attention gainers and call backs, we have practice the routines and expectations. We made classroom rules together on the first day and I refer to thise rules when they are being followed or broken.

I feel like a broken record and I've fallen into the habit of raising my voice so that they listen, which has now turned into them thinking they can raise their voice. I'm a negative Nancy teacher who is grumpy.

Can I have some advice from other year 1 teachers on how the classroom should be organised, how to manage their behaviour, what are your secret strategies?

I'm worried I've started the year off wrong. 😪

Hi fellow teachers,

I am wondering if anyone from Victoria has received a position with the $5650 grad incentive payment attached to it and if so when/how it was processed?

Cheers

[Major breakthrough in public school funding] (https://www.sstuwa.org.au/WesternTeacher/2025/volume-541-february-2025/major-breakthrough-public-school-funding?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Were-finally-getting-Gonski-February-Western-Teacher-now-available&utm_content=sstuwa.org.au%2FWesternTeacher%2F2025%2Fvolume-541-february-2025%2Fmajor-breakthrough-public-school-funding&utm_source=mailproduct.hilltop-mail.com)

Link is to an article from the state school teachers union WA but is relevant nationwide.

Did I miss it in the flurry of new year posts?

Is it not as exciting as it's being made out to be?

On a specific to WA note, I also missed the review being released at the end of last year. My understanding is that the review basically says that the department has not acted on previously recommendations and, as such, shits still fucked.

Do we get paid for these days? We've got 3 to attend next week, and after almost 2 months of no pay during school holidays I'm really hoping we do! I'm a Teachers Aide at a public primary school, in Tasmania :)