Teach NSW Podcast

Teach NSW

Join our dynamic teacher co-hosts as we take a look into life inside and outside the classroom from the perspective of incredible educators making a daily difference in NSW public schools. Listeners of the Teach NSW Podcast will gain advice and hear stories on a range of topics from beginning teacher support to classroom management and opportunities for enhancing your teaching career. Website - www.tinyurl.com/TeachNSW Facebook - www.facebook.com/teachnsw Instagram - www.instagram.com/teachnsw X (Twitter) - www.twitter.com/teachNSW YouTube - www.youtube.com/@teachnsw

  1. S2 E19: On advice for pre-service teachers before day one in the classroom

    10/12/2025

    S2 E19: On advice for pre-service teachers before day one in the classroom

    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 wear on day one. Shannon reveals her go-to resources (spoiler: the Teach NSW website is a goldmine) while Siobhan offers powerful phrases to add to your teacher toolkit. You’ll also hear about the exciting teaching opportunities in rural NSW and why stepping outside your comfort zone might be the best move you can make. And in the spirit of keeping it real, they open up about their biggest pre-service teacher regrets so you can learn from their experiences. Whether you’re preparing for your first placement or just starting your teacher education degree, this episode is your practical, go-to guide to thriving as a pre-service teacher. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Beyond the Line Program - complete an expenses-paid, 5-day study tour with the department through regional, rural and remote NSW public schools.Future Teacher Scholarships - explore scholarship opportunities with the NSW Department of Education, available for HSC students, university students and career changers.‘Meet the Teacher’ template - download the ready-made and customisable template that you can use to welcome your students and their parents back to the 2026 school year.Pre-service Teacher Hub - access a digital hub connecting pre-service teachers, schools and ITE providers with professional experience placement resources.Rural Professional Experience Program - complete your penultimate or final-year placement in a rural or remote NSW public school.ClassCover - connect with local schools and get booked for casual teaching opportunities or apply for roles through ClassCover Jobs.

    40 min
  2. S2 E18: On inspiring the next generation of teachers with the Future Teachers Club

    26/11/2025

    S2 E18: On inspiring the next generation of teachers with the Future Teachers Club

    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 2024 alone. Students in Years 8 to 12 get a real taste of teaching, from delivering microlessons aligned to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to attending university lectures and building core communication and leadership skills. More than a pathway into teaching, the FTC is a community built on mentorship, advocacy and pride in the profession. Perry and Sheridan share how the club has reignited their own passion for teaching, and how former FTC alumni are now returning to Macquarie Fields High School as teachers themselves. Tune in to discover what it’s like when students step to the other side of the desk, and find confidence, connection and a sense of purpose along the way. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today.  Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers - learn more about the knowledge, skills and understanding expected of competent and effective teachers. Teach NSW Podcast, Season 1, Episode 2 - listen to Inara’s episode on being a Future Teachers Club member, her early teaching experiences in the classroom and advice for future teachers on the same path.

    36 min
  3. S2 E17: On specialist education settings: teaching with impact in a hospital school

    12/11/2025

    S2 E17: On specialist education settings: teaching with impact in a hospital school

    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 the realities and rewards of working in a hospital school, and the specialised skills and experience a School for Specific Purposes can offer both teachers and SLSOs. You’ll also hear about differentiation in action (we’re talking robots and other assisted technology) used to meet the diverse needs of students in his care. Packed with practical advice for current and aspiring SLSOs, this episode explores what makes a great SLSO/teacher partnership. If you’re curious about specialist education settings or considering a career change into teaching, Adam’s story is a must-listen. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: ⁠Teach NSW⁠ - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Specialist settings in NSW public schools - learn more about the specialist settings in NSW public schools.

    39 min
  4. S2 E16: On leadership and legacy in public education featuring Deb Summerhayes

    29/10/2025

    S2 E16: On leadership and legacy in public education featuring Deb Summerhayes

    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 change a life.  Deb discusses why authenticity matters for early career teachers, how the syllabus anchors best practice and how explicit teaching can lift outcomes for every student. At the core of her story is a deep belief in equity – that a child’s postcode should never define their potential. Grounded in intelligence, integrity and kindness, Deb offers practical advice for aspiring leaders, celebrates humour as essential to great teaching and pays tribute to the 95,000 NSW public school teachers changing lives every day.  This episode is a heartfelt celebration of teachers – their passion, their purpose and their power to make a difference. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.World Teachers’ Day - learn more about how World Teachers' Day is celebrated in NSW and how your school community can get involved.

    41 min
  5. S2 E15: On empowering teachers and students through arts education

    15/10/2025

    S2 E15: On empowering teachers and students through arts education

    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 communities, she reveals how she’s seen creative opportunities build confidence, empathy and a sense of agency in young people. From music and drama to visual arts and dance, we dive into the rich extracurricular opportunities offered through The Arts Unit’s diverse programs. For anyone looking for inspiration, get ready to hear about how teachers can weave the arts into everyday lessons in practical, accessible ways. Marianne also champions the idea of ‘arts confidence’ over ‘arts skills’, encouraging every teacher who may be hesitant about their skills in the arts to step outside of their comfort zone and simply give it a go. We hope you enjoy this episode. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Schools Spectacular - purchase your tickets to attend a world-class arena production, proudly presented by the NSW Department of Education. This year’s theme, ‘REMARKABLE!’, will showcase the incredible creativity, diversity, and student talent from across NSW public schools. The Arts Unit - check out The Arts Unit website for more information on the programs and opportunities referenced in the episode including Film By, In Concert - Secondary Choral Festival, State Dance Festival, Operation Art, ARTEXPRESS, the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge and Spelling Bee, Pulse Alive, and much more.

    41 min
  6. S2 E14: On cultivating STEM skills and inspiring future changemakers

    02/10/2025

    S2 E14: On cultivating STEM skills and inspiring future changemakers

    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 integrated approach that equips the next generation with essential, future-focused skills. From growing up in Dungog to representing NSW public education on the global stage, Scott shares how his passion for STEM has taken him to NASA, the White House and beyond.  Reflecting on his work shaping curriculum, building STEM programs in rural New South Wales, and partnering with global and local industry leaders, Scott’s mission is clear: to give back to public education and inspire the next generation of innovators. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Academies of STEM Excellence - find out more about an Academy near you in regional, rural, and remote NSW, dedicated to building teacher confidence and capacity in STEM education.Aldrin Family Foundation - access interdisciplinary STEAM-based education tools, curriculum and programs to inspire the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and explorers. Churchill Fellowship - connect with Churchill Fellows and explore Fellowship reports to inspire you on topics and issues that benefit Australia and its communities.STEM Enrichment - discover hands-on projects, activities and curriculum resources offered by the department to enhance STEM education.

    39 min
  7. S2 E13: On the power of the library to connect, inspire and engage students

    18/09/2025

    S2 E13: On the power of the library to connect, inspire and engage students

    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-up playground libraries and chess competitions inspired by The Queen’s Gambit, Jade shares creative ways to bring books to life and spark student engagement. New and aspiring teacher librarians will find practical tips on building a student-led library team, collaborating with classroom teachers, and integrating the library into key learning areas (yes, even mathematics and science!). We also dive into Jade’s involvement with the Premier’s Reading Challenge – exploring why students should participate and how teachers can embed it into everyday classroom practice. Join us for inspiration, ideas and heartfelt stories that reveal why the library truly is a thriving hub of curiosity, creativity and connection.  We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge - get involved in the annual Challenge to encourage a love of reading in students from Kindergarten to Year 10.NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge Book Lists - access the Premier’s Reading Challenge reading lists, organised by Challenge level.Teacher Librarian Statewide Staffroom - connect and share advice, resources and learnings with other teacher librarians in NSW public schools.

    50 min
  8. S2 E12: On breaking down barriers and reimagining student success

    03/09/2025

    S2 E12: On breaking down barriers and reimagining student success

    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 achievement looks like for diverse learners and how teachers can create environments where every student feels seen, heard and supported. Hint: collaboration is key. Matt also speaks to the importance of building strong relationships with families, especially in diverse communities, and taking time to understand cultural context to better support parents and carers.  As Matt puts it: ‘When we talk about inclusion, it’s getting rid of the fence.’ We need to make sure every student has what they need to see over it, even if that support looks different for each one.  We hope you enjoy this inspiring episode. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today.  Connect with us If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Resources and useful links: Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.Inclusive Education Statewide Staffroom - connect and share advice, resources and learnings with other inclusive/special education specialists in NSW public schools. Australian Special Education Principals’ Association - a professional organisation that supports and connects school leaders working across special education settings in NSW.

    37 min
See All (44)

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Join our dynamic teacher co-hosts as we take a look into life inside and outside the classroom from the perspective of incredible educators making a daily difference in NSW public schools. Listeners of the Teach NSW Podcast will gain advice and hear stories on a range of topics from beginning teacher support to classroom management and opportunities for enhancing your teaching career. Website - www.tinyurl.com/TeachNSW Facebook - www.facebook.com/teachnsw Instagram - www.instagram.com/teachnsw X (Twitter) - www.twitter.com/teachNSW YouTube - www.youtube.com/@teachnsw

Information

  • Creator
    Teach NSW
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Teach NSW
  • Show Website
    Teach NSW Podcast

You Might Also Like