Teaching—a career for today and tomorrow

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question commonly asked of young people with responses ranging from the whimsical to the practical. Choosing a vocation can be difficult at the best of times, but the modern world changes almost daily, making it difficult to chart a long-term career path.

According to News.com.au, research conducted by Monash and Victoria Universities indicates that job numbers in mining, retail and the public service are expected to decline over the next decade. Over the same period, however, job opportunities in farming, nursing and teaching are set to boom.

Demand for teachers is on the rise as long-term educators approach retirement. In particular, according to an Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) report, the number of primary school students is set to increase significantly over the same period.

Ask any long-term educator and you’ll get the feeling that the urge to impart knowledge, to shape and nurture the next generation, is not so much a career as a calling.

So, if you’re one of those hearing the call, now is the perfect time to join the education system. Here are a few reasons why teaching is one of the best jobs for the future.

1. You can specialise

It’s a common saying that if you’re doing something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Teaching gives you the opportunity to indulge your passion for a particular subject and introduce it to a group of fresh young minds. What could be more satisfying than that?

2. Your skills will be in demand

Of course, your teaching qualifications will be valued in Australian schools, but you will also have transferable, internationally recognised skills. Australian teachers are in demand all around the world, which provides an abundance of opportunities for you to take your passion and talent to other cultures while sparking your own thirst for knowledge.

3. Your work is varied

No two days are the same. There’s no such thing as a typical day for teachers, just as there’s no such thing as boredom or the feeling of being stuck in a rut.

4. You will be helping to create a better future

Teaching is all about the future. Teachers cultivate future leaders, scientists, doctors, and so on. You might even inspire a future teacher. Through your own enthusiasm, teaching can motivate students to become well-rounded contributors to society, placing them in the best position to achieve their full potential.

It’s a career that will stimulate and engage you into your future, as you shape the lives of young Australians to build a future for all.

Internationally recognised teaching author and speaker, Barbara Coloroso said:

“If kids come to us from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important.”

Isn’t that the best reason to become a teacher?

To kick off your journey, check out the Department of Education in your state and start to plan your next steps into a satisfying, long-term career.