The Teach NSW Podcast

Welcome to the Teach NSW Podcast

Welcome to the Teach NSW Podcast, a podcast by teachers, for teachers. The Teach NSW Podcast is created and hosted by the Teach NSW team to explore the world of teaching and learning in NSW public schools.

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Shannon

Shannon is a NSW public school primary teacher with a background in high potential and gifted education. She has a passion for supporting pre-service teachers in experiencing the wide range of opportunities offered by the department.

Shannon admits she’s irrationally competitive when it comes to the student versus teacher race at the Athletics Carnival. She loves hosting a fancy dinner party and can style a tablescape to perfection.

Katie

Katie is a high school English and history teacher who has worked in both metropolitan and regional settings. Given her experience, she is a strong advocate for promoting opportunities for teachers in rural and remote NSW public schools.

Katie is no stranger to belting out ‘Ironic’ by Alanis Morissette on long country drives and firmly believes an LCM bar is the ultimate staffroom snack.

Siobhan

Siobhan is a high school English teacher who has worked across a wide range of NSW public school settings. She’s especially passionate about supporting students from diverse backgrounds and has a particular interest in high potential and gifted education.

If she could bring back one school trend, it would be the brown paper bag lunch order (potato smileys and apple slinkys, IYKYK). Her proudest atypical accomplishment? Winning a fridge on Tipping Point.

Maddie

Maddie is a primary school teacher and assistant principal from North West Sydney who brings a genuine passion for public education and a deep commitment to the students and communities she serves.

She holds a Master of Educational Leadership and proudly admits she’s a bit of an education nerd with a strong belief in lifelong learning. Outside of education, you can find Maddie tearing up the soccer field or throwing a ball with her gorgeous labrador, Lola.

On the reality of growing into the profession

In this episode, Katie and Maddie reflect on their experiences navigating the first 5 years of teaching, offering insights from 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 developing your own teaching identity, embracing feedback and remembering your ‘why’.

On pride and the power of belonging

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 community remains at the heart of everything he does.

On leadership through everyday practice

Joanne, Executive Director of the School Leadership Institute, shares her journey from classroom teacher to 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 SLI, principles of effective leadership and what it takes to create supportive learning environments for students and staff.