Teacher Education Programs

Programs which provide the necessary skills, knowledge and experiences for those entering the profession are referred to as preservice or initial teacher education (ITE) programs.

All applicants to ITE programs must meet the relevant non-academic and academic program entry requirements outlined below.

Program entry requirements

Non-academic eligibility requirements (all applicants)

Non-academic capabilities of all initial teacher education (ITE) applicants will be assessed based on the submission of a personal statement that addresses two categories in which applicants describe their motivation and suitability for teaching and work and life experiences that demonstrate a range of capabilities. Full details of the non-academic selection tool, including prompt questions for the two categories, can be accessed at https://www.qtac.edu.au/courses---institutions/teacher-entry

As well as completing the non-academic selection tool, initial teacher education applicants must meet minimum academic eligibility requirements and the specific requirements of their preferred ITE providers.

Academic eligibility requirements (school leavers) - from 2020

These entry requirements apply to initial teacher education applicants completing Year 12 studies from 2020.

Students intending to enter an undergraduate teacher education program are required to:

Achieve a grade of C or higher in a QCAA General Subject in each category
English
*for early childhood, primary and secondary programs

  • English
  • English as an Additional Language (EAL)
  • Literature
  • English & Literature Extension
Maths
*for early childhood, primary and secondary programs

  • General Mathematics
  • Mathematical Methods
  • Specialist Mathematics
Science
*for early childhood and primary programs

  • Agricultural Science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth & Environmental Science
  • Marine Science
  • Physics
  • Psychology
or equivalent subject from another jurisdiction.

It is assumed that students have completed Units 3 & 4 in English, Mathematics and Science.

Academic eligibility requirements (non-school leavers)

All applicants, other than school leavers, who are unable to meet the QCAA General Maths and English subjects (or equivalent) prerequisite must demonstrate an 'acceptable alternative' specified by their preferred teacher education provider. Applicants for primary or early childhood teacher education programs who do not meet the QCAA General Science subject or equivalent must also demonstrate an 'acceptable alternative' specified by their preferred teacher education provider.

Program content

ITE programs usually contain the following key elements:

  • Discipline-specific curriculum and pedagogical studies
  • General education studies
  • Supervised professional experience
  • Wider field experience.

Supervised professional experience involves actively engaging in all aspects of the teaching process, in different school settings and with a range of learners, under the direct supervision and guidance of experienced registered teachers. Supervising teachers have expertise in coaching and mentoring, and in making judgements about whether preservice teachers have achieved the Graduate Teacher Standards of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Wider field experiences allow preservice teachers to explore resources and support services available, and to work with relevant professions and welfare agencies.

For additional information see:

Accreditation of initial teacher education programs

Supervising professional experience

Transitioning to a different area of teaching

When you apply for registration, the QCT registers you as a ‘teacher’, not as an early years, primary or specialist secondary teacher. As a registered teacher you can legally be employed to teach any year level in a school. The specific subjects, grades or classes assigned to you are decided by the school/employer.

If you wish to transition to a different phase of learning, see the tips in Transitioning to a Different Area of Teaching (PDF, 94KB).

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