caterer began teaching, first at norwood grammar before moving to st peter's college in 1886. he rose to the position of senior resident master, edited the school's magazine, organised st peter's wwi memorial and was acting headmaster from 1916 to 1919 following the resignation of henry girdlestone. additionally, caterer was elected clerk of the senate of the university of adelaide in 1888, a position he held until july 1922, and he was a member of the university council from 1917 to 1921.