Do you want to become a teacher in a Queensland primary school? So did I, and it's been a fun and rewarding adventure thus far.

My name is Julia Lynch, and I am currently in my second year of teaching here in Townsville, Far North Queensland. I currently teach grade one at Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School, Cranbrook. My journey to becoming a primary school teacher has been exciting and challenging at times, but the hard work has definitely paid off as I now have the career I have been longing for my whole life. Let me tell you how I did it.

A bit more about me first, I grew up in a small town called Innisfail in Far North Queensland, and attended school at Good Counsel Primary and Good Counsel College. Straight after finishing school I moved from Innisfail to Townsville to begin my teaching career. I moved into Saints Catholic College on campus, where I met some amazing people. I remember being nervous to move to a new place and do something that was different from schooling, but everyone at college and those doing a Bachelor of Education with me, were so nice and welcoming. While completing my degree, I worked part time at the UniCare and UniCampass Centre as an educator. I moved back to Innisfail for a year and did my degree online, and worked at an OSHC in town. After this, I moved to Brisbane and continued my studies online, this time working at both OSHC and a childcare centre as a kindergarten teacher. I loved this job so much and it really helped solidify that I was on the right career path, as I loved watching and assisting children learn and grow and it was something I was very passionate about.

As a primary school teacher in Queensland, you play a vital role in shaping young minds and fostering a positive learning environment. This includes:

• Teaching core subjects: delivering lessons in numeracy, literacy, science, health, digital and design technologies, religion and HASS.
• Developing students skills:
• Classroom Management:
• Implementing Curriculum:
• Student Assessment:
• Collaboration with staff, parents and the community:

Qualifications to become a primary school teacher

The importance of becoming a registered teacher in a primary school ensures a teacher's legitimacy, professional recognition and ability to ensure student safety. Registration is a legal requirement from the Queensland College of Teacher (QCT) and provides opportunities for career growth, employment eligibility and access to development opportunities. “The Queensland teacher registration system ensures only appropriately qualified and suitable teachers are employed in Queensland schools. This contributes to protecting education standards and student safety, and upholds the reputation of the profession in Queensland” (Queensland College of Teachers, 2024).

To become a primary school teacher, the most important thing you need is of course, your Bachelor of Primary Education. This is the first important step into gaining your dream career. You must complete an initial teacher education (ITE) program approved by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). There are two main pathways, which include having a bachelor of Primary Education (as previously mentioned), or Master of Teaching (Primary): A two-year postgraduate degree for those who already hold a non-education bachelor's degree. This program is also recognised by the QCT. I'll now mention what these degrees involve and what to expect when you apply. The first thing you must complete is a minimum of four years of higher education (university-level study). This can be done in either the Bachelor of Primary Education (4 years) or the Masters (which is a 2–3 year undergraduate degree in another field plus a 1–2 year Master of Teaching (Primary). The total length for either option must be equivalent to 4 years of study.

During the Degree, you will be required to go on multiple placements, usually in different classrooms and always at a different school. Completing placements in a variety of settings is important because it exposes you to different teaching styles, school cultures, and student needs. It helps build adaptability, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to support diverse learners. Working with different mentors also broadens your teaching skills and allows you to discover the types of environments you enjoy most. These varied experiences not only strengthen your professional practice but can also lead to valuable job opportunities and networking within the education field. This was really useful when completing my degree.

Another option could be a Dual or combined degree programs that allow students to complete two degrees at the same time—typically one in Education (Primary) and another in a subject area such as Arts, Science, or Music. These programs usually take 4 to 5 years and are designed to give future teachers both strong teaching skills and deeper subject knowledge. This pathway can enhance your teaching, especially in specialist areas like The Arts or HASS, and also provide broader career options outside of the classroom. As long as the program is approved by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) and includes professional placements, graduates are eligible for teacher registration in Queensland.

You must have also completed the LANTITE testing process before your 4th year of your Degree. The Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) is a required assessment for students in accredited teacher education programs in Australia. It tests essential literacy and numeracy skills through multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Candidates must pass the test, usually during their first year of study, to graduate from their teaching program. The test is managed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), which provides preparation resources. 

Registering as a teacher with QCT

To teach in Queensland schools, you need to be registered with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT). The first step is to complete an approved Initial Teacher Education program, such as a Bachelor or Master of Teaching, which must include supervised teaching placements (pracs). Once you finish your course, you need to gather important documents like your official academic transcripts, proof of identity (such as a passport or driver’s license), evidence of your supervised teaching experience, and any name change documents if relevant. Next, you apply online through the QCT website by creating an account, filling out the application form, and uploading your documents. Your application will undergo suitability checks including criminal history screening (covering Australian and international records if applicable) and possibly an English language proficiency test if your studies weren’t completed in English. You will also need to pay a registration fee that covers processing, background checks, and issuance of your registration. If your application is successful, you’ll be granted Provisional Registration, which allows you to start teaching in Queensland schools. After gaining teaching experience and meeting certain professional standards, you can apply to upgrade to Full Registration.

New graduates who have completed an approved Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program can apply for Provisional Registration, allowing them to start teaching while gaining experience. After at least one year of teaching and meeting the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Proficient career stage, teachers can apply for Full Registration, which recognises their competence to teach independently. In some cases, individuals may receive Permission to Teach temporarily if a suitable registered teacher is unavailable, though this is limited and generally excludes core subjects like science, maths, and English. To apply, you first complete an approved teaching qualification with supervised placements, then gather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, proof of identity, and evidence of teaching experience. Applications are submitted online through the QCT portal, where your suitability is assessed through criminal history checks and, if required, English language proficiency verification. After paying the application fee, successful applicants receive registration allowing them to teach in Queensland schools. Full Registration lasts five years and requires ongoing professional development and renewal. 

Key steps in the application process

The key steps in applying for teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) begin with completing an approved Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program that includes supervised teaching placements. After finishing your qualification, you need to gather all necessary documents such as academic transcripts, proof of identity, and evidence of your supervised teaching experience. You then submit your application online through the QCT website, uploading these documents and selecting the appropriate registration type. Your application will undergo suitability assessments, including criminal history checks and, if required, verification of your English language proficiency. Finally, you must pay the application fee, which covers the processing and issuance of your registration. Following these steps ensures you meet the requirements to teach in Queensland schools.

Conclusion

Becoming a primary school teacher in Queensland is a journey that requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for working with children. From studying through an approved degree, completing placements in various school settings, passing important assessments like the LANTITE, and finally registering with the Queensland College of Teachers, each step brings you closer to a rewarding and meaningful career. My own journey had its challenges, but the experience, growth, and joy I’ve gained from teaching have made it all worthwhile. If you’re thinking about pursuing this path, know that it’s one filled with purpose and endless opportunities to make a difference in young lives.