Ever considered a career change to teaching? If so, this episode is for you.

We speak to Devinda, a former police officer who decided to study a Master of Teaching (Primary) at Western Sydney University and become a teacher in a NSW public school. 

On the couch, Devinda shares his touching story of what sparked his desire to become a teacher and how he was able to tackle the ‘unknowns’ of pursuing a teaching career.

As a career changer, it’s not back to square one. Devinda talks about the number of transferable skills that can be applied within a school environment from prior experience in a different industry or field. He shares some of the key skills he feels he has been able to bring into the classroom from his years of policing. One thing’s certain, he’s the MVP of playground duty. 

We also delve into Devinda’s passion for building critical thinking skills in students that go beyond the curriculum, his most memorable school experiences so far and favourite extracurriculars. Cue beep test story to give everyone a flashback to their schooling days.

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. 

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.

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.


• Get Paid to Study - explore scholarship opportunities available for future teachers (including career changers).


• Approval to teach - follow this guide to learn how to gain your approval to teach and become a teacher in a NSW public school.


• Interim approval to teach -  read the guide to applying for interim approval to teach and teach on a casual basis in your final year of study as an initial teacher education student.


• Proficient Teacher accreditation - find out everything you need to know about applying for your Proficient Teacher accreditation.


• Proficient Teacher Evidence Guide - use the evidence guide to assist with selecting effective documentary evidence that demonstrates your practice at the Proficient Teacher level.