Episodes

In Season 2, we are excited to introduce you to a line up of exceptional guests who share their expertise, insights and passion for education. From leadership tips to innovative tools transforming the classroom, we explore the diverse roles, pathways and practices that make teaching in NSW public schools so rewarding.

You can also explore our Season 2 listening guide, where we've grouped the episodes into 5 key themes, making it easy to find the stories that resonate most with you.



Profile picture of podcast hosts, Siobhan and Shannon Profile picture of podcast hosts, Siobhan and Shannon

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

Co-hosts Shannon and Siobhan share the honest, practical tips they wish they’d known as pre-service teachers – from placement prep to your first year of teaching – to help you thrive on your teaching journey.

Listen to Episode 19:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Perry and Sheridan Profile picture of podcast guests, Perry and Sheridan

On inspiring the next generation of teachers with the Future Teachers Club

We speak to the teachers behind the Future Teachers Club – an inspiring, hands-on program giving students a real taste of teaching and sparking the next generation of educators.

Listen to Episode 18:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Adam Profile picture of podcast guests, Adam

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

We speak with Adam, School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) from The Hospital School at Westmead, about supporting students in medical care and the powerful impact teachers and SLSOs can have beyond a traditional classroom.

Listen to Episode 17:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Deb Profile picture of podcast guests, Deb

On leadership and legacy in public education featuring Deb Summerhayes

Ahead of World Teachers’ Day, we speak with Deb Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary, Public Schools, to honour the impact of teachers and reflect on lessons and insights from her 35 years in public education.

Listen to Episode 16:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Marianne Profile picture of podcast guests, Marianne

On empowering teachers and students through arts education

We speak to Marianne, Chief Education Officer at The Arts Unit, about the power of the arts to ignite student learning and create classrooms where creativity and inclusion thrive.

Listen to Episode 15:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Scott Profile picture of podcast guests, Scott

On cultivating STEM skills and inspiring future changemakers

We speak to Scott Sleap, STEM Enrichment Coordinator, whose journey from regional and rural communities to the global STEM stage drives his mission to expand STEM opportunities for all students in NSW public schools.

Listen to Episode 14:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Jade Profile picture of podcast guests, Jade

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

We speak to Jade, Teacher Librarian and NSW Premier’s Programs Officer, about fostering a love of reading, building inclusive library programs and creating vibrant spaces where students feel inspired, connected and supported.

Listen to Episode 13:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Matt Profile picture of podcast guests, Matt

On breaking down barriers and reimagining student success

We speak to Matt, Deputy Principal - Inclusion and Support, about embracing equity in education, creating inclusive spaces and leading with empathy, curiosity and the belief that every student can succeed.

Listen to Episode 12:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Scott Profile picture of podcast guests, Scott

On the benefits of casual teaching and the power of ‘yes’

We speak to Scott, History and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Teacher, who shares practical tips on how casual teaching helped him build lasting relationships, grow professionally and discover his passion for helping students thrive through vocational pathways.

Listen to Episode 11:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Kirsten Profile picture of podcast guests, Kirsten

On the stellar success of our public school alumna featuring @astrokirsten

We speak to Dr Kirsten Banks about her inspiring journey from a curious student to a renowned astrophysicist, shaped by the transformative impact of her public school education.

Listen to Episode 10:

Profile picture of podcast guests, Richard and Tennille Profile picture of podcast guests, Richard and Tennille

On unlocking the game-changing capabilities of NSWEduChat

We speak to Richard, Assistant Principal, and Tennille, Science Teacher, about NSWEduChat, an AI tool developed by the NSW Department of Education, and how it can enhance teaching and learning in the classroom.

Listen to Episode 9:

Profile picture of podcast guest, Catherine Attard Profile picture of podcast guest, Catherine Attard

On bringing effective mathematics practice to life in the classroom

We speak to Catherine Attard, Professor - Mathematics Education, Western Sydney University, about innovative approaches and practices to enhance both teacher and student engagement in mathematics.

Listen to Episode 8:

Profile picture of podcast guest, Ben Profile picture of podcast guest, Ben

On developing a systems approach to school excellence

We speak to Ben, Chief Education Officer, System Improvement, to discuss high-impact, evidence-based teaching practices and dive into the roadmap for a systems approach to school excellence across NSW public schools.

Listen to Episode 7:

Profile picture of podcast guest, John Profile picture of podcast guest, John

On practical strategies for building inclusive classrooms

We speak to John, Assistant Principal - Inclusive/Special Education, about practical strategies for building inclusive classroom environments across various school contexts.

Listen to Episode 6:

Profile picture of podcast guest, Rosie Profile picture of podcast guest, Rosie

On effective strategies to support EAL/D learners in NSW public schools

We speak to Rosie, EAL/D Education Leader, about the specialist role of EAL/D teachers in NSW public schools and practical strategies that all teachers can implement to support students from diverse language backgrounds.

Listen to Episode 5:

Profile picture of podcast guest, Lauren Profile picture of podcast guest, Lauren

On kick-starting your teaching career in NSW public schools

We speak to Lauren, Chief Education Officer, Teach NSW, about how to set yourself up for success as a pre-service or early career teacher with the NSW Department of Education.

Listen to Episode 4:

Profile picture of podcast guest, Matt Profile picture of podcast guest, Matt

On becoming a careers adviser – the pathway, the role, the impact

We speak to Matt, Career Adviser in a NSW public school, about his role and the incredible impact it can have in guiding students on a pathway towards their dream careers.

Listen to Episode 3:


Profile picture of podcast guest, Raphaelle Profile picture of podcast guest, Raphaelle

On the importance of filling your cup inside and outside the classroom

We speak to Raphaelle, Senior Education Officer, Early Career and Talent Programs, about ways to ‘fill your cup’ as a teacher, with a focus on the importance of reflection, mentorship and wellbeing.

Listen to Episode 2:

Profile picture of podcast guest, Mathew Profile picture of podcast guest, Mathew

On fostering collaborative practice ft. @theartofteachingpodcast

We speak to Mathew, Assistant Principal, about his journey in public education, the power of collaborative practice, and his advice for beginning teachers on creating impactful classroom environments.

Listen to Episode 1:

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