The NSW Department of Education partners with leading initial teacher education (ITE) providers to offer on‑campus support through University Partnership Leads (UPLs). Your UPL is a direct connection to the department while you’re at university, providing guidance, advice and personalised support as you prepare for a career in teaching.
Your UPL can support you with:
- one-on-one career guidance and mentoring
- finding information about gaining approval to teach in NSW public schools
- preparing for professional experience placements
- navigating early employment opportunities and pathways into NSW public schools.
Whether you are in your first year or approaching graduation, your UPL is there to support, guide and connect you every step of the way.
Meet the team and find your UPL
Our University Partnership Leads are all experienced NSW public school teachers who are based on campus to support you throughout your studies.
We currently have UPLs on campus at:
- Australian Catholic University
- Charles Sturt University
- Macquarie University
- University of Newcastle
- The University of Sydney
- University of Technology Sydney
- Western Sydney University
Use the directory below to find your on‑campus University Partnership Lead.
Australian Catholic University
Meet Sanaa
Sanaa is an experienced secondary science teacher who has worked in a range of NSW public school settings. She has held senior leadership roles, including head teacher - science, teacher quality advisor, various roles with NESA, and as a teacher accreditation authority for early career teachers. Sanaa is passionate about mentoring future teachers and providing wrap-around support, to ensure that future generations receive the same outstanding education she received as a proud public education student.
On campus:
Monday and Wednesday
St Edmund Building, 613 Level 1, Room 26, Strathfield campus
Charles Sturt University
Meet Kelly
Kelly is an experienced K - 6 teacher and leader with over 20 years’ experience across public schools in metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW. Throughout her career, Kelly has held a variety of leadership roles, focused on professional experience, accreditation and teacher development. Kelly is passionate about supporting aspiring teachers to begin rewarding careers in NSW public education.
On campus:
Tuesday and Wednesday
Building 802, Level 2 Office 2345, Port Macquarie campus
Macquarie University
Meet Sonia
Sonia is an experienced K-6 teacher and leader who specialises in curriculum design and instructional leadership. Sonia has held roles ranging from classroom teacher to assistant principal - curriculum and instruction and deputy principal, supporting whole-school improvement and teacher mentoring. Sonia values building strong relationships on campus and engaging with students, providing tailored support around teaching pathways.
On campus:
Tuesday and Wednesday
25B Wally’s Walk, Level 7, Room B713
University of Newcastle
Meet Joel
Joel is an experienced secondary TAS and PD/H/PE teacher who has worked across a number of NSW public schools as a head teacher - wellbeing, year adviser, HPGE coordinator, zone sport convenor, and early career teacher mentor. Joel's experience has centred on student and staff wellbeing and fostering inclusive environments, which he continues in his work on campus.
On campus:
Monday and Tuesday
Griffith Duncan (V) Building in Office V120, Callaghan campus
University of New South Wales
Meet Jack
Jack is a secondary English and geography teacher who has held a variety of teaching and leadership roles in NSW public schools and tertiary education institutions, including head teacher - English, year adviser and university tutor. He values student-centred decision making and supporting teachers to develop student potential in safe and inclusive environments, which he continues in his work on campus.
On campus:
Monday and Wednesday
Kensington campus
The University of Sydney
Meet Jenny
Jenny is an experienced primary teacher who has worked in various roles within the NSW Department of Education and higher education settings. She has held leadership roles focused on strategic partnerships, program management and teacher education, and brings a wealth of experience to supporting pre-service teachers.
On campus:
Tuesday and Wednesday
Level 4, Education Building (A35), Camperdown campus
University of Technology Sydney
Meet Kristy
Kristy is an experienced primary teacher with over 20 years experience in public education. She has held various teaching and leadership roles, including most recently Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction (APC&I) where she developed a passion for supporting both experienced and early career teachers in effective, evidence-informed pedagogical practices. Kristy is committed to enhancing teacher quality as a key factor in improving student outcomes and is excited to support future teachers as they commence a rewarding career in NSW public schools.
On campus:
Wednesday and Thursday
Ultimo campus
Western Sydney University
Meet Sam
Sam is an experienced K-6 teacher and leader who specialises in curriculum development and teacher mentoring. Sam has held roles ranging from classroom teacher to foundation assistant principal - curriculum and instruction and deputy principal. She is committed to building strong connections with pre-service teachers and providing personalised guidance as they begin their teaching careers.
On campus:
Tuesday (Level 5 PEX Office), Bankstown campus
Wednesday (Education Building, Building J - Ground Floor), Kingswood campus
Connect with us
For more information about University Partnership Leads, please email teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au.