Teach NSW Podcast

In this episode, Katie and Maddie reflect on their experiences navigating the first 5 years of teaching, offering insights from both primary and secondary school settings. From establishing routines and building confidence to achieving key milestones and finding support networks, they discuss what beginning teachers can expect as they grow into the profession. They also explore the importance of d...

In this episode, we welcome Rodney, Head Teacher Programs and Pride in Education Events Stream Lead, to discuss the power of being your authentic self and the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces where every student feels seen and valued. We also explore his work with the Pride Network, leading major initiatives such as Mardi Gras, championing inclusion across the department and why commu...

Joanne, Executive Director of the School Leadership Institute, shares her journey from classroom teacher to principal and now executive leader. We discuss the mentors who shaped her career, the importance of recognising that leadership exists at every level and how embracing feedback can strengthen your impact. We also explore the School Leadership Institute, the principles of effective leadership...

Season 3 of the Teach NSW Podcast is here, bringing fresh perspectives, new voices and meaningful conversations from across the NSW public education landscape. Returning hosts Shannon and Siobhan are joined by new co-hosts Katie and Maddie, who bring their passion for public education and strong connections to the students and communities they serve. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach N...

In this episode, Kate, a Year 7 transition teacher with 25 years of experience across regional and remote NSW public schools, shares how her first placement in Broken Hill became the foundation of her career. She also explores her approach to design thinking, highlighting the power of authentic, real-world learning to engage students and create meaningful impact. We acknowledge that this episode o...

Are you a pre-service teacher navigating the early stages of your career? In this Season 2 finale, Shannon and Siobhan share key learnings from their own pre-service teaching days and the practical advice they wish they’d known. We dive into the questions on the mind of every pre-service teacher: how to find casual work, make the most out of your professional experience placements and even what to...

What if students could experience the joy of teaching before finishing high school?  In this episode, we sit down with Perry, founder of the Future Teachers Club (FTC) and Sheridan, FTC coordinator, to explore how this innovative co-curricular initiative at Macquarie Fields High School is shaping the next generation of teachers.  Founded by Perry in 2013, the FTC has welcomed over 300 participants...

In this episode, we shine a light on a unique and vital part of the NSW public school system – the hospital school. Our guest, Adam, a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) at The Hospital School at Westmead, shares his journey into education after a major career change and reflects on the deeply human side of supporting students undergoing medical treatment.  Adam offers thoughtful insights into...

In honour of World Teachers’ Day, we sit down with Deb Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary, Public Schools, to celebrate the heart of our education system: teachers. With more than 35 years of experience in public education, Deb shares her journey from English teacher to system leader. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her path and a former student who reminded her how one school excursion can chan...

In this episode, we sit down with Marianne, a passionate arts teacher and chief education officer at The Arts Unit, about how the arts can ignite student engagement and inspire creative teaching.  From her beginnings as a professional musician to leading statewide arts initiatives, Marianne shares how the arts have shaped her teaching journey. Drawing on her experience in low socioeconomic communi...

Do you have students who dream of tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges? In this episode, we explore the power of STEM education with Scott Sleap, STEM Enrichment Coordinator, who has dedicated his career to advancing STEM learning and fostering equity for students in regional and rural communities. We begin by unpacking what STEM really means – not as separate subjects, but as an integr...

In this episode, we bust the myth of libraries as ‘silent spaces’ and explore their vibrant possibilities with Jade, Teacher Librarian and NSW Premier’s Programs Officer. Follow Jade’s pathway to retraining as a teacher librarian, a unique role where her passion for literacy, student wellbeing and a love for reading can truly thrive. From ‘Throw Rug Thursdays’ and ‘Murder Mystery Mondays’ to pop-u...

In this episode, we chat with Matt, Deputy Principal - Inclusion and Support, to explore inclusive education through the lens of equity, empathy and advocacy.  From psychology student to passionate teacher, Matt shares his journey into teaching and how lived experience, strong mentors and a student-first approach, ignited his passion for inclusive education. Together, we dive into what meaningful...

Have you considered how casual teaching could open doors for you?  In this episode, we sit down with Scott, History and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Teacher, as he reflects on how casual teaching shaped his career in unexpected ways. What began as a way to gain classroom experience soon became the foundation for building professional networks, exploring new subject areas and ultimately...

What happens when a great science teacher meets a curious mind? Proud Wiradjuri woman, astrophysicist and TikTok superstar, Dr Kirsten Banks, joins us on the Teach NSW Podcast, to reflect on the impact of her public school experience. It all began with a Year 10 excursion to see a Hubble Space Telescope documentary, sparking a passion for science that set the trajectory of her career in astrophysi...

Curious about the power of AI in education? This week, we’re doubling the excitement with Richard, an assistant principal and Tennille, a science teacher in NSW public schools. They join us to share their hands-on experience with NSWEduChat, a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tool developed by the NSW Department of Education. We explore how NSWEduChat can be a trusted partner and support...

Ready to view mathematics education from a new perspective? In this episode, we are joined on the couch by Catherine Attard, Professor - Mathematics Education, Western Sydney University,  as we reimagine approaches to teaching and learning mathematics. Together, we dive into practical strategies for making it a creative, colourful and engaging subject in the classroom. As a distinguished researche...

In this episode, we chat with Ben, Chief Education Officer, System Improvement, to unpack what works best for student learning across NSW public schools through a system-level lens. Drawing on almost 20 years of experience within the NSW public education system, Ben is a self-confessed nerd who was always really interested in ‘how schools work’. We explore how he was able to harness a passion for...

In this episode, we are joined on the couch by John, Assistant Principal - Inclusive/Special Education, who has over 15 years of experience teaching across Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) and support units within comprehensive schools.  To dive in, we question what ‘inclusivity’ really means in a school context. For John, it’s about providing every student with access to learning and social c...

Did you know that nearly 40% of NSW public school students come from an English as an Additional Language/Dialect (EAL/D) background? In this episode, we are joined on the couch by Rosie, EAL/D Education Leader, to shine a spotlight on the critical role teachers play in supporting students from diverse language backgrounds. Curious about what day-to-day teaching in an Intensive English Centre (IEC...

Ready to step into your teaching era with confidence? Tune in as we are joined on the couch by Lauren, Chief Education Officer, Teach NSW, as she shares her essential ‘how-to-guide’ for launching your teaching career with the NSW Department of Education. In this episode, we cover the roadmap to success as a future teacher, from applying for a scholarship and ways to experience teaching before you...

Have you ever wondered what a ‘day in the life’ of a careers adviser looks like? Stay tuned as we are joined on the couch by Matt, a PD/H/PE teacher turned careers adviser, to shine a spotlight on this critical role in the school ecosystem. Matt describes careers advisers as mentors, conduits, but also as ‘spongy chameleons’; he dives into what he feels are the key skills and qualities it takes to...

Tune in as we are joined on the couch by Raphaelle, Senior Education Officer, Early Career and Talent Programs. With years of experience as a PD/H/PE teacher and across various leadership roles within schools, Raphaelle now develops school-based induction programs and mentoring support systems to set beginning teachers up for success in NSW public schools. In this episode we dive into Raphaelle’s...

The countdown is over, welcome to Season 2 of the Teach NSW Podcast! In this episode, we chat with Mathew, Assistant Principal in a NSW public school, and the voice behind @theartofteachingpodcast. Drawing on his own experiences as a student in the public school system, Mathew shares the influential teacher role models who have sparked his passion for education. We dive into Mathew’s philosophy on...

On the couch this week, we’re excited to introduce you to Kerryanne, a retired primary school principal with an impressive 50 years of experience working with the NSW Department of Education. We dive into Kerryanne’s extensive career in teaching and her passion for giving back to the profession that provided so much joy, satisfaction and achievement in her life. After being in various leadership r...