Spiritual and Pedagogical Accompaniment (SPA) program 2022

[Extract] This report accompanies the 2019-2021 Spiritual and Pedagogical Accompaniment (SPA) Program Report (https://acuspaprogram.edu.au/wp-content/ uploads/2022/09/ACU-SPA-evaluation-report.pdf) with updated information using the 2022 findings about impact of the program on pre-service teacher preparation for the profession. It also includes greater links to a variety of stakeholder voices about the impact of SPA from across the life of the program. The SPA program focuses on strengthening PSTs’ understanding of Catholic spirituality, mission, professional identity, and teaching practices. The name was amended in 2021 to recognise the interweaving nature of spirituality across all subject areas, the multifaith context of students and teachers in Catholic schools, and the support the Companions in the project provide to the PSTs in both spirituality and pedagogy.

The program was piloted in 2019 with a small teaching and learning development grant from ACU, in 2020 a small BCE research grant and has since received Brisbane Catholic Education funding from 2021 onwards. In 2022 the Toowoomba Diocese provided funding to pilot a regional model. The program aligns with the Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) priority to develop and maintain an employment force, while supporting schools and staff in BCE’s priority area of sustaining strong Catholic identities. The model includes PST’s having greater involvement with their SPA school, stronger connection to the SPA school Diocese, more support across their experience from the university through the university coordinator, and support across their experience from a Spiritual and Pedagogical Companion.