St Joseph’s Primary School, East Maitland was recently part of a transformative teacher training program, partnering with the University of Newcastle, to host their innovative ‘Super Prac’ for Term 2. This forward-thinking initiative saw multiple teaching students, 15 in total, working collaboratively within every classroom from Kindergarten to Year 6, benefiting from team teaching, group learning experiences, increased confidence, and hands-on experience – all the while bringing fresh energy and ideas into our classrooms. It’s been a win-win for students, teachers, and our whole school community.
The University of Newcastle is pioneering this approach to teacher education with this ‘Super Prac’ model. Unlike traditional placements, where schools take on one to two prac students at a time, the “Super-Prac” sees every classroom teacher in the school taking on a university student simultaneously.
St Joseph’s have witnessed this model creating a collaborative environment that has allowed their student teachers to support and encourage each other, therefore reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety often associated with smaller placements.
As well as benefiting the students, Assistant Principal Susan Lacey said the model has also positively impacted supervising teachers.
“It has further encouraged us to reflect on and refine our own teaching practices, strengthened professional collaboration, and fostered a unique and vibrant learning culture across the school. With more hands-on deck, our teachers have been able to explore new strategies, offer richer timely feedback, and create even more engaging learning experiences for all our students,” Mrs Lacey said.
“Another amazing outcome is that this experience also provides a wonderful opportunity to grow future educators in a supportive, real-world environment.”
