Catalyst podcast creating knowledge networks for Catholic schools

Luke Mooney interviewing Jessica Colleu Terradas on a recent podcast episode

Inspired by the teaching and learning he saw at his own school during the implementation of Catalyst, St Thomas the Apostle teacher Luke Mooney imagined a space where teachers and leaders could learn from each other as the initiative progressed.

Working alongside Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Education Lead Patrick Ellis, Luke thought a podcast could be the answer.

 “We have been undergoing quite a transformational change in our teaching and learning approach through Catalyst,” Patrick explained.

“Through the process, schools started to connect with other schools to learn and understand the barriers and what enabled things to take hold successfully. Schools started forming a strong system at different points in their journeys. From that organic strengthening of the network across our 56 schools, we started to understand the power of people hearing from other schools, leaders, and teachers within our own system.”

And so, the podcast Teacher Insights from Catalyst was born.

The podcast focuses on how the Catalyst teaching approach translates to the classroom and features meaningful conversations with teachers and leaders who share practical advice and lived experiences.

“The underlying belief is that when Catalyst is focused on the teacher and the change journey for the teacher, then student outcomes will improve – and we are starting to see that positive shift,” Patrick said.

“We want to hear from voices in primary and secondary, NSW and the ACT, male and female teachers. We want to represent the system and ensure we can leverage what people are hearing to benefit their school and improve their classroom.”

The podcast, released twice each term, is now in its second year and has attracted hundreds of listeners locally, nationally, and globally.

Luke travels to schools around the Archdiocese, chatting with teachers and leaders about their experiences implementing the different aspects of Catalyst.

“Being a teacher myself, I can ask questions that other teachers and leaders will find interesting and relevant to their practice,” Luke said.

“I hope teachers and leaders can continue to make networks and learn together by listening to each other.”

Patrick said with a national move to more explicit instruction and high-impact teaching practice, Catholic Education was at the forefront, as schools entered their fourth year of Catalyst.

“I think this podcast is important for people to hear. Our teachers and leaders are supporting the children in front of them, and we appreciate what they are doing,” Patrick said.

“The journey we have asked teachers to go on is significant, and change can be hard. I hope this is affirming for them – to listen to people asking the same questions and reflecting on the same things. I hope it inspires them to implement, change, or reinforce the approach. I hope it helps them see what is possible.”

• The Catalyst podcast can be found here: https://catalyst.cg.catholic.edu.au