Teaching in the Northern Territory (NT) offers a unique and rewarding career path — whether you're just starting out, changing careers, or exploring ways to return to the classroom. The NT needs passionate educators who want to make a difference in diverse communities and dynamic school environments.
Pathways to Teaching
- Already have a university degree?
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If your degree is in teaching or education:
You may be eligible to register as a teacher. Contact the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory (TRB) to check your eligibility:
📞 1800 110 302 | ✉️ trb@nt.gov.auIf your degree is not in teaching or education:
You’ll need to complete a postgraduate initial teacher education program (usually 1.5 - 2 years of full-time study).
Choose your teaching area – early childhood, primary, or secondary – and explore nationally approved courses through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). - Don’t have a university degree?
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If you completed Year 12:
You’ll need to complete either:
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A four-year undergraduate teaching or education degree, or
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A three-year undergraduate degree followed by a 1.5 - 2 year postgraduate teaching qualification.
Explore AITSL’s list of approved teaching programs to get started.
If you didn’t complete Year 12:
Alternative entry pathways may be available. Contact your local tertiary admissions centre such as SATAC to explore options.
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Thinking About a Career Change?
Many people choose teaching as a second career. If you’re looking for purpose-driven work that has a lasting impact, teaching in the Territory could be your next move.
You’ll need an accredited teaching qualification and teacher registration. Already qualified? Connect with our Teacher Recruitment Pool to be considered for teaching roles across the NT.
If you're still exploring your path:
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Consider what kind of teaching suits you: early childhood, primary, or secondary.
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See if you're eligible for scholarships that support study and relocation.
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Visit our step-by-step guide to understand the process for becoming a teacher.
Incentives for studying teaching
- Teach Local Scholarship
- Teach Up North Incentive
- Federal and department incentives available to reduce your student loan debt once you start teaching in NT Government Schools (eligibility criteria applies)
- Check your universities scholarship page
What the Teacher Registration Board Considers
To register as a teacher in the NT, you must meet several criteria:
- Qualifications: A teaching degree or a combination of degrees and postgraduate study (minimum 45 days of supervised teaching practice). If you hold an early childhood teaching degree, it must be an approved qualification under the Education and Care Services National Regulations. To check that the qualification you hold is an approved qualification, search the National Quality Framework approved qualifications list.
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Professional experience: At least 180 days of teaching in the past 5 years for full registration.
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Competency: Proficiency in English and alignment with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
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Fitness and propriety: Includes police checks, working with children clearance, and a record of ethical behaviour.
If you don’t yet meet the professional experience requirement, you may be eligible for provisional registration.
Types of Teachers in the Northern Territory
Teachers in the NT are employed across a wide range of roles. Here’s an overview:
- Classroom Teachers - Responsible for delivering lessons and supporting student learning in the classroom. Progression ranges from CT1 to CT9 based on experience.
- Senior Teachers - Experienced teachers in leadership roles with added responsibility and remuneration.
- Assistant Teachers - Often Aboriginal staff who support classroom instruction. Many undertake further study to become fully qualified.
- Aboriginal Team Teachers - Aboriginal educators supporting students’ learning with a clear career pathway tied to qualifications and experience.
- Specialist Teachers - Experts in areas such as music, languages, sport, or inclusive education.
- Early Childhood Teachers - Educators working with children from birth to age 6. Specific qualifications are required for different age brackets (0–5, 0–8, 0–12).
- Families as First Teachers - Work with families and children (0–3 years) to strengthen early learning and parenting.
- Diverse Learning / Special Needs Teachers - Specialists who support students with additional learning needs.
- Relief Teachers - Casual teachers who provide classroom coverage as needed.
- Teaching Principals - Leaders who teach as part of their principal duties, often in remote or small schools.
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Principals - Leaders of schools who are responsible for the overall educational direction, culture, and operational management of their school. They work closely with teachers, students, families, and communities to drive educational outcomes.