Career changers

Are you considering a career change? Find out how teaching can open doors for you.

Are you considering a career change?

Are you looking for a career that values your previous experience, works around your changing life and allows you to make a difference in the lives of children and young people? Why not choose teaching?

Teachers with the NSW Department of Education are daily difference makers. As a teacher, you will enrich the lives of your students, their families and the broader community.

The department offers an inclusive workplace where all employees are welcome and valued. Our schools reflect Australian communities with students and staff representing a diverse range of cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds.

The department also offers flexibility of employment (including casual, part-time or full-time), generous leave provisions and the opportunity to work in a range of diverse school contexts, including schools in rural and remote NSW which attract additional benefits and incentives.

Not only will the department support your transition to teaching, but you will also have access to a range of ongoing professional development opportunities designed to enhance your career including mentoring and support within your school.

Read on to find out how to begin your teaching career in a NSW public school.

Your how to guide

Ready to get started? Follow the steps below to start your teaching journey.

Step 1: Get ready to study

Decide what type of teacher you would like to become. Your approved to teach subject areas may be dependent on your previous experience or qualifications.

Tip: Becoming a qualified teacher in a high-demand subject area can increase your chances of gaining employment in NSW public schools.

Step 2: Apply for an accredited teaching course

Becoming a teacher requires a minimum of four years study, including an accredited teaching degree, such as a Bachelor of Education/Teaching or Master of Teaching.

If you have already completed undergraduate studies in a subject area that you are interested in teaching, we recommend talking to your preferred tertiary education provider to determine how this can contribute to entry requirements for a postgraduate teaching degree.

Step 3: Apply for a scholarship or retraining program

The NSW Department of Education provides a range of programs to support you to change career and change lives in a NSW public school.

Scholarships and programs for career changers include:

Step 4: Start teaching

After the first six months of commencing a Master of Teaching degree, you will be able to apply for approval to teach in NSW public schools and gain accreditation with the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). By gaining interim approval to teach, you will be able to teach casually in NSW public schools.

Following this, you can apply for advertised teaching positions in NSW public schools, or be appointed to a permanent teaching position if you are a scholarship recipient.