-what are the advantages/disadvantages to teaching primary?
Advantages include being able to teach students on a range of different areas, topics, subjects, etc. Also the age (I believe) is better than high school because you can usually have more of an influence.
Disadvantages would be the extra work you need to do outside teaching hours - preparation, marking, reports, meetings, parents, etc.
-what course(s) do u need to do at uni?
You need to do a Bachelor of Education (Primary). You can become trained in Early Childhood but that only allows you to teach up to Year 2 (until you have a few years' experience).
Many unis are opting for a Bachelor of Arts / Master of Teaching degree which does not allow you to get into schools until much later in your uni degree.
-what subjects are generally required at pre-requisites?
Usually Advanced English and Maths (General or 2 Unit). I found Community and Family Studies particularly helpful but unfortunately it didn't stand well with scaling.
-which uni has the best reputation for these courses?
ACU is the largest provider of education courses
So they have a good reputation. It also comes down to the structure of the course, flexibility, amount of practicums, etc. Wollongong is quite good in that area too. I would try to enrol in a Bachelor of Education (Primary) for your best coverage of every subject and early practicums.
-what is the general uai cut-off?
Depends on the uni. You should go to the UAC website and have a search of the different courses available. I've seen them range from 55 to 90, and it depends on the demand on these courses from year to year.
-what sort of personality is needed?
Flexible, patient, calm personality. You need to be somewhat organised, with a love for learning. Liking children helps too!
-is there anything i could do now to prepare myself for being a teacher later in life? e.g. helping out with the pre-kindies before school
I think an After-Hours centre would be a good way to start. You'd be exposed to a range of ages which would help you deal with social situations. THis is the biggest thing in school (well in mine anyway!) - managing socialisation!!!
-what is the expected/basic salary for new graduates?
In NSW government schools, a 4 year trained teacher in their first year will get $52 745 (I would know!). This increases each year in steps. You can move up steps for things like child-rearing and previous experience in another valued field (as in a career though, not a part-time job. I knew a bloke who was a policeman then changed and got a few steps higher).
-how do the uni courses prepare you for teaching?
They provide you with the theory behind learning and teaching and how to effectively teach students the course content outlined by the Syllabi in each Key Learning Area. You will learn to plan, program, assess and manage behaviour and social situations. But be warned - the real learning happens when you can put it into practise and even more so once you're on your own!! (again, I would know!!!)
-what do the courses entail?
Usually a mixture of subject-specific units (like how to teach HSIE, Science, Music, Drama, etc.) and pedagogical stuff like psychology, classroom management and curriculum design. It makes the course really interesting.
-why become a primary school teacher?
For the pure love of it, and knowing that in some instances you will be one of the few positive role models in a child's life. Seeing the "clicking" moments when something finally makes sense. And just being part of their lives and seeing them grow as people
PM me if you want more info
Good luck!
