For Teachers
Thank you for volunteering to teach in our cooperative Religious Education Program. Teaching is one of the most important ways in which a church member can contribute to the health and well-being of the church as a whole. In fact, some see teaching as both a spiritual act, and as a commitment to social justice.
As Parker Palmer puts it in The Courage to Teach, “To educate is to guide students on an inner journey toward more truthful ways of seeing and being in the world.” By choosing to volunteer, you are in fact guiding the children of our congregation to discover “diverse ways to answer the heart’s longing to be connected with the largeness of life.”
This unique web space is designed to aid you in becoming that guide. Whether you’ve taught numerous times in the past, or are about to take on your first RE class, I encourage you to look through these materials, take note of the many resources available to you, and participate in any of a number of discussions of teaching available here.
You’ll find articles reflecting the latest thinking on religious education practices and challenges, specific tips and resources for First Parish teachers, and a way of connecting to others who, like you, are undertaking this valuable work. Here you can find answers, ask questions, and generally explore issues pertinent to spiritual development and growth. You may also find some answers and support for your personal spiritual life as well.
