Teaching as a career

In ACT public schools, you can teach students from early childhood to secondary school.

All schools teach the Australian Curriculum (V9.0) from kindergarten to year 10.

Our Strong Foundations initiative strengthens our approach to literacy and numeracy for better student outcomes and workloads for teachers and school leaders.

We are always seeking new and experienced educators who are:

• enthusiastic
• innovative
• willing to nurture both curiosity and creativity in Canberra’s youth.

Early childhood teacher

As an early childhood teacher, you work with children from birth to 5 years old.

Teachers in early childhood education establish a foundation for lifelong learning.

Primary school teacher

Primary school teachers in the ACT work with children 5 to 12 years old.

In ACT public primary schools, you can teach one year group across all core subjects. You can also specialise in one subject and teach across multiple year groups.

A primary school teacher creates meaningful learning experiences to prepare young people for lifelong learning. They support students mentally, physically and intellectually, including with their social development and wellbeing.

There are opportunities to use your expertise as a classroom teacher in a range of primary settings including preschool to year 6 primary schools. You can also expand your career in larger preschool to year 10 schools to teach in middle-school classroom settings.

High school or secondary college teacher

Public high school or secondary college teachers in the ACT work with 13 to 18-year-olds.

At this level, you teach one or more subject specialisations preparing secondary students for a career and life beyond schooling.

In ACT public schools, you can use your expertise as a classroom teacher in a range of secondary settings including:

• years 7 to 10 high schools
• larger preschool to year 10 schools
• colleges teaching years 11 and 12.

Specialist teachers

Specialist teachers are usually placed in secondary schools and have expertise in a particular field including:

• English
• humanities and social science
• mathematics
• sciences/s
• health, physical education and outdoor education
• languages
• design and technology
• visual and performing arts
• information technologies
• inclusive and disability.

Teaching librarians

Qualified teacher librarians support digital and information literacy and help students become critical, creative and collaborative thinkers.

School leaders

School leaders ensure quality education by managing school programs, supporting staff, overseeing finances, and building strong relationships with the community. They use their own experiences as skilled teachers to guide their work.

Permanent vs temporary teaching

In the ACT there are both permanent and temporary teaching opportunities.

The ACT Public Service (ACTPS) is committed to promoting permanent employment and job security for employees within the ACTPS.

Permanent roles

A permanent employment contract is an ongoing role with the ACT Education Directorate.

A permanent teaching position offers financial stability, job security, and opportunities for career advancement. It also allows you to build strong relationships with staff, students, and parents, allowing you to be part of the community.

Permanent classroom teachers are eligible to transfer between ACT public schools as part of the Education Directorate’s Annual Classroom Teacher Transfer Round.

Temporary roles

A temporary employment contract with the ACT Education Directorate is issued for a defined period.

Temporary teachers in ACT public schools can work full-time for a minimum of 4 weeks up to one school year and also part-time for 2 or more school terms.

Temporary teachers receive most benefits of permanent teachers, including a pro-rata annual salary.

Casual teaching

The ACT Education Directorate offers casual teaching roles.

As a casual teacher, you’re hired on a day-to-day basis to fill relief positions in ACT public schools. This role offers the flexibility to work at either one or a range of schools.

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