By forexlibrary 
CAREERS
Teaching is an extremely rewarding and challenging career. Your impact on the future generation will be unparalleled.
Teaching future adults is not the only reason to become a teacher.
We asked some Education graduates and academics to consider the question: Why become a teacher?
What did they say?
Teachers are highly in demand.
There is a greater demand for teachers than ever with the rising number of students and declining teacher numbers due to retirement. This is a great time for teaching to be a career.
Graduate teachers in Queensland have the highest starting salaries. If you love country living, some scholarships can be used to support your studies.
Patricia Morrell, Head of School of Education, cannot speak highly enough about teaching.
“I have been teaching for over 30 years – what’s the point?” She says that teaching is difficult, never boring, and unique each day.
Teaching is fun. That lightbulb that lights up on the tops of children’s heads? That’s real!”
The next generation can be inspired by
Help students develop curiosity and inquisitiveness by being at the forefront of shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
Teachers are influential in the lives of their students, motivating them to learn and inspiring their passion for learning.
Aaron Bates, Education Graduate, believes that teaching is one of those rare jobs that allows you to give back to your community and see real change.
“In my future, I hope to still help people, and I know that teaching will be able to enable me to do so.” Fellow graduate William Webster believes that the opportunity to influence the next generation of teachers is a great reason to become a teacher.
He says that teaching is the most important job in the world.
“Because children we educate today will be leaders of businesses, communities, and even countries tomorrow.”
Travel with job security and skills recognized around the world
Teachers are highly sought after worldwide, and UQ’s teaching programs have been recognized internationally.
You can go beyond the classroom and learn communication and leadership skills that apply to many industries worldwide. Employers are looking for the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that a teaching degree provides.
Education graduate Michael Smith is now the deputy principal at Marsden State High School.
He says that rural service is extremely rewarding.
Teaching is an amazing way to get out from the city rat race and allows you to travel and experience a new lifestyle.
Help children realize their full potential.
Many of us will remember our favourite teachers and their positive impact on our lives. These teachers must have wondered, at one point or another, why they chose to become teachers.
Share your lessons with your students in the class to help them achieve their goals. You can also help them go out into the world with the skills they need to contribute to the community.
Education is a great career choice. You can make a difference in the lives of others and your learning. You’re never done learning, whether you’re revising historical events, improving your French or brushing up your math skills. You can’t be a teacher if it doesn’t interest you to discover new things.
Education graduate Kara Ilich is bringing her passion for learning to her role at John Paul College as Dean of Pedagogy (Primary).
Kara says something special about instilling lifelong learning in today’s young people.
“Having the chance to help children achieve their personal best, and instill a love of learning is what drives my determination to be my best every day.”
Enjoy a balanced life and unlimited career opportunities.
Why is teaching a good career?
Teaching can bring balance to your work life. You have guaranteed holidays and the ability to relocate depending on your plans.
Your education doesn’t end in the classroom. You can also progress in leadership positions by continuing your studies.
- principal
- head of the department (curriculum)
- Guidance officer
- and many other formats.
Susan Garson, a UQ Education graduate, is now the director of the Centre for School-Wide Pedagogy at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. She was a teacher of German before she took on the role. This included inspiring students to travel to Germany for exchange and taking advantage of the opportunity to travel with students from other countries. Before taking on her current position, she was the Director of International Studies.