By choosing to study teaching, you are preparing for a role that impacts individuals, communities and society as a whole. The Early Career Academy provides pre-service teachers with accessible career advice and support for teaching in NSW public schools, highlighting the diversity of employment opportunities available and expanding access to professional experience support.
Initiatives under the 'Select' pillar of the plan are designed to foster a strong sense of belonging within the public education system and guide you throughout your teaching degree.
Programs and support you can explore
University Partnership Leads
The NSW Department of Education has partnered with The University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, the University of Newcastle, the University of Technology Sydney, Australian Catholic University and Macquarie University to provide on-campus support through University Partnership Leads (UPLs).
UPLs are members of the Teach NSW team who are based on campus to support you throughout your initial teacher education journey. They can help you to:
- find information about gaining approval to teach and explore career opportunities in NSW public schools
- connect with regional, rural and remote NSW public school opportunities
- prepare for professional experience placements
- navigate early employment opportunities and pathways into teaching in a NSW public school.
UPLs work closely with partner universities and local schools to help you feel confident, informed and classroom-ready. Whether you're just starting your degree or approaching graduation, your UPL is here to support your next steps and help you transition smoothly into teaching in a NSW public school.
What's next: In 2026, UPLs will also be joining the University of New England and Charles Sturt University.
Beyond the Line Program
If you are a pre-service teacher ready to step beyond the city and discover what teaching looks like across regional, rural and remote NSW, the Beyond the Line Program invites you to take part in a fully supported 5-day study tour to inspiring locations around the state.
You’ll visit local schools, learn from passionate teachers and gain firsthand insight into diverse classrooms. Along the way, you’ll connect with fellow future teachers, grow your professional network and start imagining where your career in NSW public education could take you.
Register your interest in future Beyond the Line Program study tours.
Professional Experience Hub Schools
In 2025, the department's Professional Experience Hub Schools (PEX Hubs) program expanded. Working in collaboration with university partners, PEX Hubs provide pre-service teachers with consistent and well-supported professional experience placements across NSW.
Through collaborative school-based evaluative practice, PEX Hubs strengthen the quality of placements for pre-service teachers, supervising teachers and initial teacher education providers across networks of schools. Discover more about how the PEX Hubs support future teachers to thrive in the classroom.
What's planned for 2026
In 2026, the Early Career Academy will continue to build on this support by:
- offering initial teacher education students the opportunity to explore teaching in NSW public schools across western and south-western Sydney through the Career Connections Program.
- launching the Teach NSW Education Society to provide tailored support for pre-service teachers at accredited NSW universities as they transition from study into NSW public school classrooms.
More information
To find out more about how the Early Career Academy for Teachers can support your teaching career in NSW public schools, view the plan or alternatively, please contact the School Workforce team via eca@det.nsw.edu.au.
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