Primary School Teaching

[Brontecat]

You can hide this advertisement by registering.

Just a few questions regarding becoming a primary school teacher?

-what are the advantages/disadvantages to teaching primary?
-what course(s) do u need to do at uni?
-what subjects are generally required at pre-requisites?
-which uni has the best reputation for these courses?
-what is the general uai cut-off?
-what sort of personality is needed?
-is there anything i could do now to prepare myself for being a teacher later in life? e.g. helping out with the pre-kindies before school
-what is the expected/basic salary for new graduates?
-how do the uni courses prepare you for teaching?
-what do the courses entail?
-why become a primary school teacher?

sorri there are so many qs but thankyou heaps to everyone that replies

[Andi0390]

I don't have much experience in primary school anything but one of my friends was looking at it for a bit, and I was looking slightly at secondary. Here is what I know.

1. The advantages to being a primary school teacher would be a secure job (as you are government employed) and better hours on average. Also, if you wanted to move to a different area, you could get a job there. You could also transfer to different schools to learn about different working environments. You would not be 'stuck in an office' which many people dislike, and you would not be working with an immediate boss over your shoulder as you could be in other jobs. The disadvantages are working with children and not the greatest pay.

2. I believe its called Bachelor of Education (primary) although don't quote me on that. I don't think the main hard core university (USYD, ANU, UMELB) have Education, but many of the more vocational tended (for lack of better terms) universities have it.

3. I believe you need English, Maths and History, although you would have to check with the university of choice, you should be able to find it online. Most should be the same check Canberra University if you are interested, I know they have teaching.

4. I wouldn't know, but I don't think reputation for Primary teaching matters.

5. I don't know. Like most degrees the entrance should differ between universities, although I imagine you could find one with a very low one, like ACU or something.

6. You have to like kids. Be friendly and patient. Want to do it for the children. Deal with conflict and possibly insults. Kids can be pretty rough.

7. I guess you could do some work experience in schools, even if your school doesn't allow/support it often you can do it in your holidays.

8. Not very high.

9. You learn class structure and teaching methods. Then you do a few weeks working within schools and teaching as an assistant, then taking the class as teacher for a while.

10. Learning to be a teacher (duh)

11. I can't see why, but if you love kids and want a secure job then I guess that could be for you.

[Kelly47]

I'm a first year, so I'll help as best as I can.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to teaching primary?
Other than the ones already mentioned, being able to teach a large variety of subjects, having a better relationship with your students as you would be having the same class all of the time, as opposed to secondary school.
-what course(s) do you need to do at uni?
That depends on the uni. I personally am doing a B Teaching/ B Arts at Newcastle - Ourimbah campus. Other unis will be different.
-what subjects are generally required at pre-requisites?
Maths and a band 4 in any two units of English.
-which uni has the best reputation for these courses?
Not sure. I will say mine is good, as you get prac experience in your first year. I heard (though I don't know for a fact) that at Macquarie uni you don't get any prac until fourth year. But I wouldn't worry too much about reputation.
-what is the general uai cut-off?
Depends on the uni. You can get into some for around 60.
-what sort of personality is needed?
In my opinion, it's more about patience. You need to want to teach.
-is there anything i could do now to prepare myself for being a teacher later in life? e.g. helping out with the pre-kindies before school
I don't know really. What you suggested could be good experience. I suppose if anything, think about the effectiveness of the teaching methods your teachers are using, so you know what does and doesn't generally work.
-what is the expected/basic salary for new graduates?
I think around $50000, but don't quote me on that.
-how do the uni courses prepare you for teaching?
Different unis do it differently. Mine, for example, has a 'Links' programme, where we go out to schools for prac experience every semester starting with semester 2 of first year.
-what do the courses entail?
Again, probably different in other unis. At mine, we have a subject called 'Learners and Learning', and you've got your history courses and key learning areas, i.e science, english etc.
-why become a primary school teacher?
Not for the holidays or the hours. Because it's something you really want to do, whether it's to make a difference, teach, be around children, whatever.

[bouncingCats]

Originally Posted by Kelly47

-which uni has the best reputation for these courses?
Not sure. I will say mine is good, as you get prac experience in your first year. I heard (though I don't know for a fact) that at Macquarie uni you don't get any prac until fourth year. But I wouldn't worry too much about reputation.

Well, I'm at Macquarie studying the BA DipEd and the practical is: 15 days in the third year and 45 days in the fourth year.

With pay, I heard that the starting salary is $50,000 but you can check out this page:
https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/employmen...hers/index.htm
and click on the "Teachers Handbook" on the right-hand side

[mcflystargirl]

that is really late most uni's do it first year

[mishka]

-what are the advantages/disadvantages to teaching primary?
Advantages include being able to teach students on a range of different areas, topics, subjects, etc. Also the age (I believe) is better than high school because you can usually have more of an influence.
Disadvantages would be the extra work you need to do outside teaching hours - preparation, marking, reports, meetings, parents, etc.

-what course(s) do u need to do at uni?
You need to do a Bachelor of Education (Primary). You can become trained in Early Childhood but that only allows you to teach up to Year 2 (until you have a few years' experience).
Many unis are opting for a Bachelor of Arts / Master of Teaching degree which does not allow you to get into schools until much later in your uni degree.

-what subjects are generally required at pre-requisites?
Usually Advanced English and Maths (General or 2 Unit). I found Community and Family Studies particularly helpful but unfortunately it didn't stand well with scaling.

-which uni has the best reputation for these courses?
ACU is the largest provider of education courses So they have a good reputation. It also comes down to the structure of the course, flexibility, amount of practicums, etc. Wollongong is quite good in that area too. I would try to enrol in a Bachelor of Education (Primary) for your best coverage of every subject and early practicums.

-what is the general uai cut-off?
Depends on the uni. You should go to the UAC website and have a search of the different courses available. I've seen them range from 55 to 90, and it depends on the demand on these courses from year to year.

-what sort of personality is needed?
Flexible, patient, calm personality. You need to be somewhat organised, with a love for learning. Liking children helps too!

-is there anything i could do now to prepare myself for being a teacher later in life? e.g. helping out with the pre-kindies before school
I think an After-Hours centre would be a good way to start. You'd be exposed to a range of ages which would help you deal with social situations. THis is the biggest thing in school (well in mine anyway!) - managing socialisation!!!

-what is the expected/basic salary for new graduates?
In NSW government schools, a 4 year trained teacher in their first year will get $52 745 (I would know!). This increases each year in steps. You can move up steps for things like child-rearing and previous experience in another valued field (as in a career though, not a part-time job. I knew a bloke who was a policeman then changed and got a few steps higher).

-how do the uni courses prepare you for teaching?
They provide you with the theory behind learning and teaching and how to effectively teach students the course content outlined by the Syllabi in each Key Learning Area. You will learn to plan, program, assess and manage behaviour and social situations. But be warned - the real learning happens when you can put it into practise and even more so once you're on your own!! (again, I would know!!!)

-what do the courses entail?
Usually a mixture of subject-specific units (like how to teach HSIE, Science, Music, Drama, etc.) and pedagogical stuff like psychology, classroom management and curriculum design. It makes the course really interesting.

-why become a primary school teacher?
For the pure love of it, and knowing that in some instances you will be one of the few positive role models in a child's life. Seeing the "clicking" moments when something finally makes sense. And just being part of their lives and seeing them grow as people

PM me if you want more info Good luck!

[spence]

Originally Posted by Andi0390

1. The advantages to being a primary school teacher would be a secure job (as you are government employed) and better hours on average. Also, if you wanted to move to a different area, you could get a job there. You could also transfer to different schools to learn about different working environments. You would not be 'stuck in an office' which many people dislike, and you would not be working with an immediate boss over your shoulder as you could be in other jobs. The disadvantages are working with children and not the greatest pay.

I'd hope that if you want to be a primary school teacher that you don't see this as a disadvantage

[Brontecat]

thanks for everyone's contributions

[Hello2U2]

- cute kids/annoying kids
- Bachelor of Ed
- Maths, English (Prefably something scienc-y too)
- Usyd probably
- Dunno. Usyd's is 85 I think
- Well, you gots to love children.
- You could volunteer at a local primary school for after school care or working in their library or canteen
- Dunno, sorry.
- I heard you do prac in first year, so quite a lot of practical experience. Theory as well.
- A lot of stupid stuff
- Cute kids.

[cem]

Originally Posted by Kelly47

What are the advantages/disadvantages to teaching primary?
Other than the ones already mentioned, being able to teach a large variety of subjects, having a better relationship with your students as you would be having the same class all of the time, as opposed to secondary school.

I must disagree with this based on 11 years teaching Primary and 18 teaching Secondary.

With the Primary kids they are always kids and the relationship must always reflect that difference.

With the Secondary kids they are growing and by the end of High School the relationship is a very different one but even more rewarding and long lasting.

Many of my High School students still keep in contact whereas the Primary school kids, after one year they have moved on to someone else but with the High School you could easily work with them for a number of years - up to six in fact.

Each person must choose their own path but I wouldn't do anything different to what I did.

I loved teaching Primary at the time but I couldn't do it now. I also couldn't have taught High School in my 20s but love it now.

[melodic_gal]

Originally Posted by Brontecat

Just a few questions regarding becoming a primary school teacher?

-what are the advantages/disadvantages to teaching primary?
-what course(s) do u need to do at uni?
-what subjects are generally required at pre-requisites?
-which uni has the best reputation for these courses?
-what is the general uai cut-off?
-what sort of personality is needed?
-is there anything i could do now to prepare myself for being a teacher later in life? e.g. helping out with the pre-kindies before school
-what is the expected/basic salary for new graduates?
-how do the uni courses prepare you for teaching?
-what do the courses entail?
-why become a primary school teacher?

sorri there are so many qs but thankyou heaps to everyone that replies

I can answer few of your questions I hope it helps you

what course(s) do u need to do at uni?

It depends, each university will provide something that differs to other institutions, and you have to do research to find out which course suits you.

I am currently studying at ACU – Strathfield, which has a high reputation for primary, secondary and early childhood courses. They offer Bachelor of Education, Primary and they have new course Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary). Both courses are four year courses but the difference is Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary enables you to work with children from birth to 12 years olds and the other one Bach of Ed (primary) 5 years – 12 years.

You have other choices like Bachelor of Teaching, Early Childhood which it is a three years birth to 2 year olds. Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary is good course to enrol in it has wider variety, this course gives you a choice of which age group you like to work with. (0-12 year olds)

Which uni has the best reputation for these courses?

Australian Catholic University, Strathfield it is the largest provide of education and teaching courses and highest reputation. Teachers are very good here I find they guide/ help along the way through your course.

What is the general uai cut-off?

Check the UAC guide or online


Is there anything i could do now to prepare myself for being a teacher later in life? e.g. helping out with the pre-kindies before school

Well you can start by doing voluntary work in childcare centre etc gaining experience is a plus. Most of my friends doing the same course as me are TAFE graduates they studied Diploma in Children’s Services. a lot of students in my centre are doing that course finishing and going to uni to do teaching that way. it great way to gain hands on experience with children. that if you want to do it that way.

How do the uni courses prepare you for teaching?

Oh you get send out for practical experience, for me now I am doing once every week and block week at the end of the semester. That would give you experience of preparing yourself as teacher as well of what you are being taught in your classes.



Why become a primary school teacher?

This isn’t just money thing---You have to really really want it, philosophies on how you as educator can make a change or difference by providing learning experiences for young children. Love being with children. Most importantly passion, patience, dedication, willingness etc
Once you go into the course you soon discover yourself the reasons why you want to become a primary school teacher etc

[blerkles]

[quote=Brontecat;4334800]
-what is the general uai cut-off?

Worst case scenario: you could always do Curtin's Bach of Ed (Primary) degree through Open Uni's (distance ed). No entry requirements to start with. It's via WA but makes you eligible to teach in NSW. If you pass the first few subjects, you are allowed to continue on with the full degree.

[Abelamaryan]

I like primary-school teaching.

_____________________
Please contact me Racela@sycodas.cz , Racelagrace@sycodas.me , Racela_grace@sycodas.sk , Racela122@sycodas.pl , Racelafres@sycodas.lt , grace_Racela@sycodas.md , Racelagbf@sycodas.lv