This guide is designed to assist current and prospective students in making the right decision about their future careers as teachers in Australia. The book explores why certain individuals might want to be a teacher and the personal qualities required, so they can consider whether they fit the profile. The book describes what teachers actually do, the pay they receive, and their working conditions. It looks at the required training, the many options a teaching qualification proffers, and the areas of specialization. It discusses the professional teaching standards within Australia's national curriculum framework and offers a peek into the future. Throughout the book, the realities of teaching across all educational sectors - primary, secondary, government, independent, religious, etc. - are encapsulated through the voices of successful teachers, many of whom are finalists in Australia's National Excellence in Teaching Awards. In addition, the account of one teacher's journey from struggling student to educational leader provides an inspirational tale. Fully referenced, with an appendix listing teaching courses throughout each state and territory in the country, So You Want To Be a Teacher? will ensure that, if an individual does pursue a career in teaching, it will be with true conviction and the passion to thrive.