ELIZA Martin wanted to be a teacher since she was four years old.
“My aunt works as a teacher and definitely inspired me when I was young,” she said.
“I saw her make a difference in students’ lives and I knew I wanted to do the same.”
Ms Martin recently graduated from the Australian Catholic University’s Spiritual and Pedagogical Accompaniment program, a comprehensive mentoring initiative aiming to support pre-service teachers.
In partnership with Brisbane Catholic Education, pre-service teachers spend one day per week at a school for six to 12 months and receive guidance from a mentor.
Ms Martin completed her final placement at St Ambrose Catholic Primary School in Newmarket and spent the year observing a Prep classroom.
“Throughout the year I was constantly observing and taking notes, and understanding the specific students in the class and their various strengths and behavioural challenges,” she said.
“It was really useful and made the transition to classroom teaching really seamless because I already had the required background information.”
Spiritual and Pedagogical Companion Kerry Latimer, who mentored Ms Martin, said the program gave students a chance to build positive and impactful relationships with students.
“They also get an understanding of what a Catholic school is, in that it is more than just academic,” she said.
“Through professional learning they understand the charism of the school and how Catholic schools were established.
“Their own spiritual development is nurtured as well.”
Spiritual and Pedagogical Program developer and ACU Education lecturer Dr Amanda Gutierrez said the program offered holistic support and mentorship to help pre-service teachers of all faiths or spiritual backgrounds enter the profession.
“It gives them a strong connection to themselves, their spirituality, their wellbeing and their understanding of what it means to be a teacher, as well as vital support to have longevity in their careers,” Dr Gutierrez said.
A three-year review of the program found pre-service teachers experienced a significant drop in anxiety and an improvement in Catholic and spiritual literacy.
The program’s success stood as a possible solution to burnout and dissatisfaction within the profession.
Ms Martin hoped to use her skills from the program to prepare for a long career in teaching.
“I feel really fortunate to have completed the program and really well placed to commence my teaching career next year,” she said.
The passion she felt for teaching at four years old remained.
“I believe teachers have such a unique opportunity to facilitate meaningful change in society and be an encouraging force in a person’s life,” she said.
“Helping other people learn is a job I’d be happy to do for the rest of my life.”
