The future of education: Five big changes ahead for teaching in Australia

Rapid industry growth and technological advancements are evolving schools and classrooms. What does it all mean for the future of education – and the teachers shaping it?

The future of teaching in Australia is full of possibilities. Jobs in teaching have been increasing exponentially across the country, with the number of educators increasing by 52,800 over the last year.¹ 

Whether you’re exploring a career in teaching or looking to deepen your skills, here’s a glimpse of what’s on the horizon. Let’s explore the changes that are shaping education in Australia, and what they could mean for the future of the profession.

Here are five significant ways education is set to change in the coming years:

Two RMIT education students in a classroom with a primary school student

1. The new era of learning: Connection and collaboration

Classrooms are evolving! Teaching in Australia is beginning to become more digitally connected and innovative as new ways of learning change the devices and technology used in the classroom. Emerging technology such as virtual and augmented reality are already introducing new ways of exploring education.

“Learning occurs collaboratively where teachers and students basically learn from each other”, says Gideon Boadu (Senior Lecturer at RMIT School of Education).

RMIT’s Master of Teaching Practice prepares future educators with practical experience and novel teaching approaches. These expertise allow them to confidently use new tech to support learning and lead collaboration in the classroom.

While not an entirely new approach, student learning spaces will supersede the typical classroom that we know today. This will see students become partners or co-creators of their own learning.

"We align our programs to meet what the industry really expects of teachers", Gideon says. "These various experiences and opportunities enable our students to graduate ready for the industry, ready for jobs and ready for schools."

2. Demand for teachers will continue to grow

The shortage of teachers in Australia has led the federal government to roll out the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan – its number one priority is increasing the number of teachers in Australia. As part of this action plan, Australian government is investing in initiatives to support future teachers.

As the demand for teachers continues to grow, so does the opportunity for graduates entering the profession. In the next five years, the number of roles for teachers in Australia is expected to increase by 9.4%. With over 7,000 currently available teaching job opportunities across the country, there is significant potential for those looking to build a career in education.²

If you’re looking to gain the foundational knowledge to start working as a teacher, the Bachelor of Education might be right for you. If you have a background in a certain field already and are looking to gain the expertise to teach it, you should check out the Master of Education.

Can't decide between Primary and Secondary teaching?  Why not both! The Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) specialisation gives you a broad knowledge of learning, teaching, curriculum and assessment as a primary generalist, while also providing specialised focus on subject-specific secondary teaching.

3. More scholarship opportunities for future teachers

As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting jobs in teaching, students who enrol and commence an accredited teaching degree may be eligible for a Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship.

These scholarships provide up to $40,000 to new undergraduate students and up to $20,000 to new postgraduate teacher education students. Scholarship recipients must then go on to teach in a government schools or government-run early learning settings after graduation. This program has been running since 2024 and has offered up to 1,000 scholarships to students each year. The program is planned to run until 2028.³

If you’re planning on studying the Master of Teaching Practice (Secondary Education) you should also know about the Teach Tomorrow scholarship which provides eligible students with $15,000 while they study for the first 6-12 months. 

If you’re interested in an education scholarship but aren’t interested in these options, there are other scholarships you might be eligible for at RMIT. 

RMIT education student helping a primary school student

4. A learner-first approach is driving customised education

Alongside our changing notions of what constitutes a classroom, our ideas about the way teaching is delivered will also reshape. 

With new teaching methods becoming more common, the older ‘one model of teaching and learning fits all’ is being phased out. Teachers are becoming facilitators of learning and students are having more control of their learning journey. 

As a result, teachers have individualised learning plans for students, which has enabled each student to learn at a pace that best suits their abilities and to engage with content that is most beneficial to them. 

"Students coming into the program should expect learning that is personalised and differentiated as much as possible for students with different academic needs or personal circumstances.” Gideon says. "We try to cater to all equity groups to ensure that their study and learning success is supported."

Personalised and engaging teaching practices are at the heart of RMIT’s Education courses. Through hands-on learning in real-world classrooms and specialised teaching models, RMIT Education students are being given the tools to guide young minds with personalised learning.

5. The role of teachers is becoming dynamic

Effective communication, organisation and time management, along with adaptability and problem solving are key skills employers look for in a teacher, according to Gideon.

"No two schools are the same, no two lessons are the same. So, employers are looking for people who can adapt to change in times and respond to student needs", Gideon says.

In light of a shift towards a more personalised learner experience, teachers of the future can develop a broad range of skills that will enhance and inform their teaching. RMIT’s Master of Teaching Practice (Primary Education) and Master of Teaching Practice (Secondary Education) reflect this evolving approach, preparing future teachers to respond to diverse learners. Personalised teaching and working with next-gen technology in the classroom is allowing the educators of tomorrow to gain skills as data collectors, analysts, planners, collaborators, curriculum experts, synthesizers, problem-solvers and researchers.

Story: Jacob Johnston and Saumya Sindhu

References

¹Australia Government. ‘Labour Market Insights: Education and Training’. Accessed 14/08/26. https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles/industries/education-and-training.

²Seek. ‘Career Advice - Teacher’. Accessed 14/08/26. https://au.seek.com/career-advice/role/teacher.

³Department of Education. ‘Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships’. Accessed 14/08/26. https://www.education.gov.au/teaching-scholarships.

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The future of education: Five big changes ahead for teaching in Australia