In 2009, Director-General for a Day was held on Wednesday 27 May during Education Week.
Director-General for a Day provides opportunities for secondary students in NSW government schools to learn about the challenges and satisfactions of working in senior management in the Department and allows students to find out how educational policy relates to schools.
In 2009, there were over one hundred Expressions of Interest for Director-General for a Day from students in Years 9, 10 and 11 representing all educational regions. Two candidates (one male and one female) became Director-General for a Day and other students took on positions such as Deputy Director-General (Schools) for a Day, General Manager for a Day or Director for a Day. In regions, students became Regional Directors or School Education Directors for a Day.