Secondary School Teacher

241411 · Light

Career data Verified

Secondary school teachers teach one or more subjects to Year 9 to 13 students. They also plan and prepare lessons and assess students' work.

Most common salary $72k – $93k

Upper salary up to $103k

Training 3-4 years

Description

Teaches one or more subjects within a prescribed curriculum to secondary school students and promotes students' social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

Typical work tasks

Presents prescribed curriculum using a range of teaching techniques and materials; develops students' interests, abilities and coordination by way of creative activities; guides discussions and supervises work in class; prepares, administers and marks tests, projects and assignments to evaluate students' progress and recording the results; discusses individual progress and problems with students and parents, and seeks advice from Student Counsellors and senior teachers; maintains discipline in classrooms and other school areas; participates in staff meetings, educational conferences and workshops; liaises with parent, community and business groups; maintains class and scholastic records; performs extra-curricular tasks such as assisting with sports, school concerts, excursions and special interest programs; supervises student teachers on placement.

Typical work environment

Works indoors in offices and teaching spaces within secondary schools or other educational facilities. Occasionally works outdoors to teach educational programmes.
Works in adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces.

Typical physical and mental demands

Sedentary to light physical work. Frequently sits in offices and teaching spaces when teaching some activities, preparing teaching materials, completing administration tasks or in discussion with staff, parents and young people. Stands and walks frequently around the teaching spaces to teach the class, monitor and interact with young people and to provide individual support to pupils. Occasional lifting, pulling or carrying, bending, squatting or crouching, stretching and twisting are required but this is not a significant component of the job. Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using writing tools including pens, chalk and when using computers. There is frequent use of office and learning equipment and materials including art materials, books and toys, language materials, video players, games, books, music, computers, telephones, educational toys and outdoor play equipment. Driving may be required on an occasional basis but is not a significant component. Mental skills needed include subject knowledge, teaching, behaviour management and supervision, communication, interpersonal, creativity, programme development, organisational, administrative, computing, problem solving and decision-making.

Entry signal Reviewed

Requires a substantial formal qualification. A licence or registration is legally required.

Entry barrier Formal qualification

Licence / registration Licence/registration required

ANZSCO skill level 1

Next-day ready No

How this was determined (model-generated): Secondary teacher requires a subject degree plus teaching qualification and Teachers' Council registration with a Practising Certificate.

Entry Requirements

A specialist subject degree followed by a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) or a combined specialist subject degree and secondary teaching qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration with the New Zealand Teachers’ Council is required along with a current Practising Certificate.

Further Comments

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.