The fastest way to become a teacher

Whether you've always dreamt of pursuing a career in education, or the lure of 12 weeks of paid holidays has got you contemplating a career change, here's the quickest way to become a teacher. Spoiler alert: you can fast-track your degree.

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There are many different types of teachers and many avenues for becoming one—all of which involve becoming a student first. Luckily, this is made available to everyone through Open Universities Australia.

Whether you’ve received the ATAR required for a teaching degree or not, an Open Universities Australia student advisor can find a unique pathway to help you qualify for and start working toward a teaching degree. They can also help you determine which pathway is the quickest for you.

How long does it normally take to become a teacher in Australia?

To register as a primary school teacher in your state or territory you generally need to enrol in a Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) or a Master of Teaching (Primary Education). For secondary education, you will need a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) or a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education).

A Bachelor of Education will take four years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent), while a Master of Teaching will take two. You can apply directly into these qualifications, but there are also other study options if you don’t have a strong academic history or want to fast-track your degree, including a one-year teaching degree.

The quickest way to get a teaching degree

The fastest way to qualify as a teacher depends on a few factors. Some things to consider include:

  • Have you got previous study experience?
  • What qualifications do you have in other disciplines?
  • What type of study or work experience do you have?
  • What is your availability to study?

Regardless, it won't be long before you make your teaching debut. Which of the below applies to you?

If you’re studying for the first time:

  1. Fast-track your Bachelor of Education by studying on campus but taking a few extra subjects online through Open Universities Australia.
  2. Alternatively, study online subjects over summer while everyone else is on a break.

Taking on this extra workload requires more availability and dedication, so make sure you're prepared. Always know that you can talk to a student advisor if you need to adjust your study load.

If you already have a qualification in another discipline and want to switch careers:

  1. Enrol in a Master of Teaching (two years).
  2. Fast-track your Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching by studying online subjects over summer or taking extra subjects online while studying on campus.
  3. Reduce your study load and course duration by applying for recognition of prior learning; or
  4. Earn an accelerated Graduate Diploma in Education. This intensive teaching course lets you qualify to become a teacher in one year with a full-time study load.

A breakdown of your options:

No ATAR or have an ATAR below 70 Have an ATAR of 70 or above but no previous higher education Have completed a bachelor degree in any discipline
Summer subjects
Recognition of prior learning
On-campus study with extra subjects online 
One-year accelerated diploma in education
Single subjects pathway into degree

Considering a one-year teaching degree?

This is the absolute fastest way to become a teacher. However, this intensive teaching course often comes with stricter entry requirements and caveats. For example, you may only become qualified to teach in a particular state or territory.

There are two accelerated courses available through Open Universities Australia—one for primary education and another for secondary—through Curtin University. Both qualify you to teach in Western Australia. Make sure you read up on the degree thoroughly to ensure you are enrolling in the right course for you. 

If you’re still deciding if teaching is the career you want, here’s a breakdown of the benefits, opportunities, and experiences you’ll come across throughout a teaching career.

Book a call with a student advisor to discover your options and start exploring online teaching courses

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