Explainer: How we determine the subjects you can teach

During Teach For Australia’s Leadership Development Program, you’ll teach subjects in the classroom that are directly related to your previous studies and experience while undertaking your Master of Teaching.

But determining the subjects you’re eligible to teach isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.

“It’s easy to get caught out – for example, assuming you will be eligible to teach health if you’re a registered dietician,” advises TFA Admissions Manager, Ziska Ludowyke.

Transcript assessment

To be eligible to teach through our program, you must be able to enrol in at least two learning areas provided as part of the Master of Teaching (Secondary) (Leading Learning) topics that are taught in secondary school.

One of these must be a major, and the second can be either a major or, in some cases, a minor, depending on the subject. The specific requirements for each learning area, including whether a minor is acceptable, are outlined in the Learning Area Requirements list.

TFA specialists will closely review your academic transcript to determine which learning areas you should be eligible to enrol in.

We will first check that you have a major in one learning area, defined as six units of study, with no more than two at first-year level and at least two at third-year level or higher. After confirming your major, we will then look for a second subject.

In some cases, such as Mathematics or English you may be eligible with what is known as a double major, which means completing a total of 10 units in the same subject area.

“We review the unit names, your results, and how each unit was weighted within your degree,” Ziska says.

“While transcripts often list a major, we verify eligibility by counting units. For example, if your degree lists Biochemistry as your major, but most of your units were in Politics, we’ll consider Politics as your major.”

“However, if your studies were spread across Politics, Economics, Anthropology, and Sociology, you’re unlikely to meet the requirements.”

“It’s a detailed and nuanced process – never automated or automatic.”

If you studied overseas

This in-depth process of assessing your academic transcript becomes more complicated if you study overseas, because every country’s higher education system is different.

“This is why you can’t check your eligibility for our program really quickly – it’s incredibly bespoke,” Ziska says.

“If you didn’t study English, mathematics or engineering in Australia, it’s probably going to take a little while to assess your transcript.”

Making the process smoother

While it is a complex and sometimes time-consuming process to determine the subjects you should be eligible to enrol in, there are common mistakes you can avoid to make the process as smooth as possible.

Here are Ziska’s top tips to set yourself up for success:

• Ensure you read the eligibility guidelines closely before applying – and reach out for advice if you need it.
• Submit your application as early as possible, especially if you studied overseas or graduated more than 10 years ago.
• Make sure you provide your full academic transcript with your application to avoid delays.

Subject specialists

We understand this process is rigorous – but that’s how it should be.

TFA is committed to bringing high-calibre subject specialists into classrooms as part of our mission to break the cycle of educational inequity in communities.

“At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring students get the best learning they deserve, from teachers who are specialists and experts in their field,” Ziska says.