What does an English teacher do?
An English teacher creates and prepares lesson plans that engage students and keep them interested in English. Their task is to help students become proficient in the English language and in understanding and analysing English texts and literature.
Most English teachers specialise in teaching a particular year level, such as Years 7 and 8, 9 and 10 or 11 and 12. English teachers need to cater to students of various abilities and learning levels, and be patient and empathetic with their students. An English teacher’s duties generally also include setting and grading English homework and tests, documenting student progress, attending staff and department meetings and communicating with parents regularly.
English teacher skills and qualifications
To succeed as an English teacher, strong communication skills, subject knowledge and the ability to engage and motivate students are essential. Employers look for teachers who can plan and deliver effective lessons, assess student progress accurately and adapt their approach to diverse learning needs.
A recognised teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education or a postgraduate teaching credential, along with registration with the relevant state or territory teaching authority, is typically required.
A successful English teacher needs to have the following skills and aptitudes to perform their role well:
- excellent subject matter expertise in English
- strong communication skills
- patience and empathy
- flexibility and ability to adapt to changing environments
- great time management skills
- good computer and technological skills
- willingness to stay up to date on developments in the subject as well as new English curriculums.
English teacher experience requirements
Teaching degrees in Australia include a practical component, where students carry out classroom teaching activities under the supervision of an experienced teacher. This means that even newly qualified English teachers will already have some practical classroom experience under their belt.
Depending on the year level for which you are recruiting, you may want to hire a more senior English teacher with a certain number of years of experience. This may be a consideration in particular if you’re hiring an English teacher for Years 11 or 12, where students are sitting their final exams.
English teacher education and training requirements
Working as an English teacher in Australia requires a four-year university degree or postgraduate qualification in teaching, with a specialisation in secondary-school teaching.
This usually means a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) for teaching at high-school level (students aged 12–18). In addition, secondary school teachers can specialise in one or more subject areas – in this case, English. This can be complemented by a two-year Master of Teaching (Secondary), but this is not mandatory.
To work in a public school, English teachers need to be approved and register with their state or territory’s education department while completing their degree in order to be able to apply for a teaching job afterwards.
English teacher salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an English teacher is $101,100 per year. Salary level can vary depending on the employer, location and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
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