Make a difference in a NSW public school
The NSW Department of Education values the unique knowledge, expertise and skill sets that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders bring to the Education sector. Knowledge is power and as such, you can play a significant role in increasing knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture, helping to ensure that every Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child and young person achieves their potential.
If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person looking for the chance to make a difference through education, join our mob and become a teacher in a NSW public school.
Make a difference by:
- working to ensure Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples play an increasing role in the education and training of young Australians
- mentoring students to improve learning outcomes and personal strengths
- ensuring that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students are supported to achieve their educational and post-school pathway aspirations
- expanding culturally inclusive learning programs
- promoting opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities to engage with school life.
Support for your teaching career
There is support for you at every stage of your teaching journey.
Future teachers
High school students, university students, career changers and current School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) are encouraged to apply for a scholarship to kick-start their teaching journey.
Scholars can get paid to study a teaching degree and become a teacher in a NSW public school. Following successful completion of studies, scholars are guaranteed a permanent teaching position with the NSW Department of Education.
Pre-service teachers
Pre-service teachers can apply for the department's graduate recruitment program to help you to secure employment upon successful completion of your studies.
If you take up a new appointment as a teacher of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, we support you during your first year with:
- a mentor
- regular check-ins via phone call, email and social media
- invitations to attend network meetings and workshops at the local and regional level
- regular contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human resources officers
Current teachers
If you have obtained your teaching qualifications and are yet to take up a permanent teaching role, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Programs Team can provide advice to you on how to secure a temporary teaching engagement with the aim of improving your teaching skills and confidence.
Existing permanent Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander teachers who have satisfied the service requirements for transfer, may apply for a transfer with priority status.
For more information, contact the team at aboriginalemployment@det.nsw.edu.au or visit JobFeed to explore current vacancies.
Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
When applying for identified roles or additional opportunities such as scholarships, applicants and employees of the department are required to confirm their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent using the process outlined in the Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent Policy.
For review and verification, applicants must email their confirmation documents to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Programs Team at aboriginalemployment@det.nsw.edu.au. The team will advise the applicant once verified.
Join the Mirrung Network
What is the Mirrung Network?
The Mirrung Network ('Mirrung' meaning 'belonging' in Dharug language), is a staff network within the NSW Department of Education. It is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees to connect, share culture, and support one another's professional and personal growth.
The Network offers a culturally safe space to express your voice, access support, and raise awareness around matters that are important to you.
What the Network does:
- promotes diversity and inclusion across the department
- provides advice on organisational strategies and policies
- organises events for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees and allies
- shares resources and advice on relevant initiatives.
Who can join?
The Mirrung Network is open to NSW Department of Education school and education support staff who are formally recognised as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in accordance with the requirements of the Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent Policy.
To join the Network, visit Mirrung Network on Viva Engage and request to join the group. Your membership is confirmed once your request is approved.
Connect with us
The department's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment and Advisory team provides personalised assistance and advice to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people considering teaching as a career.
Connect with the team and have a yarn via email aboriginalemployment@det.nsw.edu.au or phone 1300 32 32 32, selecting option 2, 3, 2 and 1.
Last modified date
18/09/2026
Business unit contact email
Executive director
Kylie Campbell
Executive director’s business unit
People Group