We're thrilled to bring you Season 1 of the Teach NSW Podcast. Hosted by Shannon and Siobhan, two passionate teachers, this season features a line-up of exceptional guests who share their expertise, insights and passion for education in NSW public schools. You can tune into Episode 1 to learn more about our co-hosts and the purpose behind the podcast.

Whether you're just starting out in the classroom, considering a move into leadership, or looking for practical strategies to support your students, Season 1 has something for everyone.

To help you get started, we've grouped the episodes into 7 key themes, making it easy to find the stories that resonate most with you.

Types of teaching roles and school contexts

• Episode 4 – The great debate: primary vs secondary teaching
  Co-hosts Shannon and Siobhan go head-to-head on the primary versus secondary teaching debate, covering the differences in teaching and leadership roles across school contexts.
• Episode 12 – Living, teaching and making a difference in rural NSW
  Science teacher and teach.Rural Scholarship recipient Daniel shares an honest account of what it's like to live and teach in regional NSW.
• Summer Series 1 – The range of roles available with the NSW Department of Education
  Education Specialist Yvette Poshoglian shares her career journey and shines a light on the diverse range of opportunities available beyond the classroom with the NSW Department of Education.

Kick-starting your teaching career

• Episode 2 – Studying to become a teacher
  Pre-service teacher Inara shares her experience as a Future Teachers Club member, her early classroom experiences and advice for aspiring teachers on the same path.
• Episode 7 – Getting the right mentor support as a beginning teacher
  English teacher and mentor Clare unpacks the tools, resources and programs available to support pre-service and early career teachers as they begin their journeys with the NSW Department of Education.
  
• Episode 8 – Navigating teacher identity and work/life balance
  Assistant principal Sarah explores how to discover your teacher identity, the importance of balance and how her Instagram @teacherishappy became a powerful creative outlet.
• Episode 9 – Changing careers and retraining as a teacher
  Primary school teacher Devinda reflects on his career change and how his transferable skills have helped him thrive in the classroom.

Leadership and mentoring

• Episode 5 – Developing your leadership potential
  Assistant principal Sarah shares advice on navigating leadership opportunities as a teacher and how to build a supportive professional network beyond the classroom.
  
• Episode 6 – Supporting and guiding teachers as an AP, C&I
  Assistant principal Aaron discusses building teacher capability in the classroom and how his Instagram presence at @Mr.J.Learning.Space helps extend his impact.
• Episode 14 – Growing great teachers and leaders in NSW public schools
  Primary school principal Chris shares his path into educational leadership and the lessons he's learned along the way about developing great teachers and leaders.
  
• Episode 19 – Building a collaborative school culture
  School principal Matt discusses creating a collaborative culture that encourages positive outcomes for students and staff, and how to best support early career teachers.
  
• Summer Series 2 – Paying it forward to future generations of teachers
  Retired principal Kerryanne reflects on giving back to the profession and why mentoring is essential for current and future school leaders.

Inclusive education and student wellbeing

• Episode 10 – Differentiation strategies and engaging diverse learners
  Head Teacher Casey explores the range of differentiation strategies teachers can use to engage and support every student in the classroom.
  
• Episode 11 – Creating culturally safe classrooms
  Halle, a proud Dharawal woman and primary school teacher, shares her passion for celebrating cultural diversity and creating an inclusive learning environment for all students.
  
• Episode 18 – Empowering every student's learning in an inclusive education system
  Inclusive/special education teacher Mel shares what it's like to teach in a school for specific purposes and why this can be a deeply rewarding career pathway.
  
• Episode 20 – The value of the Yarn and building meaningful connections
  Tammy, a proud Biripi woman and school principal, speaks to the importance of meaningful conversation and fostering genuine connections within the school community.

Learning models, literacy and numeracy

• Episode 3 – Teaching mathematics and the story of Eddie Woo
  Mathematics teacher and educational leader Eddie Woo discusses his career, his love of bringing maths to life in the classroom and his rise to becoming a YouTube sensation.
• Episode 15 – Why literacy is everyone's business
  Literacy adviser and secondary English and EAL/D teacher Alessandra shares evidence-based classroom strategies that improve literacy outcomes for all students in NSW public schools.
  
• Episode 17 – Why numeracy is everyone's business
  Numeracy adviser and K–6 teacher Juliana outlines practical strategies that can be implemented in any classroom to improve student outcomes in mathematics.
  
• Episode 21 – Inquiry-based learning and developing critical thinking skills
  Relieving principal Alice Vigors explains how inquiry-based learning can inspire creativity and curiosity in students across all year groups.

Technology and innovation

• Episode 13 – Using technology in the classroom to support teaching and learning
  Head Teacher Alice shares practical approaches for effectively integrating technology in the classroom to enhance student learning outcomes.
• Episode 22 – Accessing technology and digital resources for the classroom
  Linda, Director of Technology Enablement, walks through the digital tools and resources available to NSW teachers and students to enhance classroom learning.

The impact of teaching and the public education system

• Episode 16 – World Teachers' Day: celebrating the teachers who inspired us
  The Teach NSW team comes together to celebrate World Teachers' Day, recognising the incredible dedication of all teachers and the profound impact they have on the lives of their students.
• Episode 23 – Our Plan for NSW Public Education
  Secretary Murat Dizdar shares his experiences in the classroom, his passion for education and how Our Plan for NSW Public Education will set the department's direction and priorities for the years ahead.

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