In Episode 5, you’ll meet Sarah, an assistant principal in a NSW public school. You may know Sarah from social media as @giftedandtalentedteacher, where she has built a supportive teacher network beyond the classroom. 

Sarah takes a deep dive into her leadership journey and talks with our co-hosts about the fear, success and learnings that can come from stepping out of your comfort zone.

She reflects on her own start as a beginning teacher, from undertaking practicums as an initial teacher education degree student to the exceptional leadership she was inspired by at her first school. You’ll hear her thoughts about the immeasurable value of having a mentor in your corner as an early career teacher.

Taking on her first leadership role felt bold, but Sarah truly believes that having the confidence to disrupt a linear path can open doors you never expected to appear before you. Opportunities breed opportunities, after all. Other leadership themes covered that you don’t want to miss - how not to be a people-pleaser, insider tips for writing a great job application and making the most of the department’s School Leadership Institute.

We hope you enjoy this episode.

We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. 

Resources and useful links

Teach NSW - Become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.

Leadership

• School Leadership Institute (SLI) - find out about SLI programs and resources for current and future school leaders.


• School Leadership Identification Framework (SLIF) - learn more about the SLIF, which was developed to help identify and develop future school leaders.


• Middle Leadership Programs - discover the range of opportunities and resources available for middle leaders.


• Performance and Development Plan (PDP) - learn more about the PDP, an internal NSW Department of Education resource for current teachers to build on foundation skills and develop a pathway for career growth.

Beginning teacher support

• Beginning Teacher Information Hub - visit the hub for support as you commence your teaching career with the NSW Department of Education.

Pre-service teacher resources

• Rural Professional Experience Program - complete your final-year placement in a rural or remote NSW public school with another pre-service teacher from your university.


• Develop a great application - learn how to develop a great application with the NSW Department of Education. 


• Addressing selection criteria - learn how to properly address the position criteria in your application for a position with the NSW Department of Education.

Connect with us

If you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact teachnsw@det.nsw.edu.au to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and YouTube to be the first to know when new episodes are released.