In this episode, I sit down with Murat Dizdar, the head of the New South Wales Department of Education, to explore his inspiring journey. From his beginnings as the son of Turkish immigrants to leading Australia’s largest education system, Murat shares the experiences and values that have shaped his vision for public education. We discuss his passion for the teaching profession, the challenges facing schools today, and the transformative initiatives he’s championing. Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply curious about the future of education, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Resources mentioned:
- NSW Department of Education Resource Hub
- Explicit Teaching Statement
- High Potential and Gifted Education Policy
- AERO (Australian Education Research Organisation)
- Grattan Institute: Ending the lesson lottery
You can connect with Murat:
- Twitter/X: @dizdarm
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft
Website: learnwithlee.net

About Murat Dizdar
Murat Dizdar PSM is the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, which delivers quality education and training services for the people of New South Wales. This includes the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector, government and non-government schools, and the Vocational Education and Training sector.
Murat’s career began as a social sciences teacher at Ashcroft High School. He has experience in a range of school leadership roles, including senior principal of Belmore and Punchbowl Boys High Schools.
Prior to commencing as Secretary, Murat co-led the School Performance division. This team provides support to 95,000 teachers and school leaders – across more than 2,200 schools – to deliver a high-quality education for more than 790,000 students.
Murat presided over the Bushfire Strategy that supported communities devastated by the 2019/2020 fires, as well as the Connected Communities directorate that strengthens the educational outcomes for Aboriginal students.
Murat holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Humanities) majoring in Economics and Geography from the University of Sydney, and has undertaken a ‘Leadership for the 21st Century’ course at Harvard Kennedy School. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor in the School of Education at Western Sydney University.
He was awarded the Australia Day Public Service Medal in 2016, an Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL) NSW Fellowship in 2019, an ACEL National Fellowship in 2020 and the Nanga Mai Department of Education and NSW AECG Inc Partnership Award 2021.
Murat is also a proud graduate of the NSW public education system. He never forgets the impact that Mr Griffiths, Ms Johanson, Mr Baker and Mr Sturm had on his life as a young student at Fort Street High School.Murat Dizdar PSM is the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, which delivers quality education and training services for the people of New South Wales. This includes the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector, government and non-government schools, and the Vocational Education and Training sector.
Murat’s career began as a social sciences teacher at Ashcroft High School. He has experience in a range of school leadership roles, including senior principal of Belmore and Punchbowl Boys High Schools.
Prior to commencing as Secretary, Murat co-led the School Performance division. This team provides support to 95,000 teachers and school leaders – across more than 2,200 schools – to deliver a high-quality education for more than 790,000 students.
Murat presided over the Bushfire Strategy that supported communities devastated by the 2019/2020 fires, as well as the Connected Communities directorate that strengthens the educational outcomes for Aboriginal students.
Murat holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Humanities) majoring in Economics and Geography from the University of Sydney, and has undertaken a ‘Leadership for the 21st Century’ course at Harvard Kennedy School. He currently serves as Adjunct Professor in the School of Education at Western Sydney University.
He was awarded the Australia Day Public Service Medal in 2016, an Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL) NSW Fellowship in 2019, an ACEL National Fellowship in 2020 and the Nanga Mai Department of Education and NSW AECG Inc Partnership Award 2021.
Murat is also a proud graduate of the NSW public education system. He never forgets the impact that Mr Griffiths, Ms Johanson, Mr Baker and Mr Sturm had on his life as a young student at Fort Street High School.
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