Before I convince you that teachers require the widest range of skills of any profession, I want to clarify some things first.
I am not saying it’s the most difficult, dangerous, back breaking, or demanding job in the world (though at times it can feel like all those things). What I am proposing is a teaching day has so much variety, that the talents you need to succeed go well beyond what you would see in a position description.
Here is a list of skills that I require in any given year as a teacher. Next to them is listed the other professions that these abilities are drawn from.
| Update student page on Learning Management System | Web Designer |
| Book Excursion | Event Planner |
| Create PowerPoint | ICT Presentation Designer |
| Present PowerPoint to Class | Marketing Executive |
| Counsel an upset student | Counsellor/Social Worker |
| Photocopy handouts | Administration assistant |
| Fix Photocopier after it jams | Photocopier Technician |
| Long Jump Marshal at School Athletics | Athletics Official |
| Update Schools Anti-Bullying Policy | Policy Writer |
| Break up fight in yard | Police Officer |
| MC School Assembly | Professional MC |
| Organise and serve dinner for students staying back for debating final | Caterer |
| Give feedback to Uniform Committee on new school beanie | Fashion Designer |
| Deal with injured student | First Aid Officer |
| Design a poster to promote lunchtime concert | Graphic Designer |
| PA Announcements | Radio Host |
| Managing the faculty budget | Accountant |
| Decorating and setting up classrooms | Interior Decorator |
| Planning lessons for new topics | Academic Researchers |
| Directing students to exit assembly | Security guards |
| Dealing with hostile parents | Mediator |
| Sanitising student hands/enforce social distancing/mask wearing | COVID safe marshals |
| Chairing meetings | CEO/Board Chair |
| Inspiring student fundraising | Philanthropist |
| Managing staffing issues | HR |
| Organising Interstate/Oversees Trip | Travel Agent |
| Facilitating Interstate/Oversees Trip | Tour Guide |
| Fix students computers | ICT Technician |
| Write school reports | Quality Assurance Monitor |
| Officiate lunchtime sports game | Umpire/Referee |
Did I miss any?
Do you agree?


