SRE TEACHERS
Our SRE Teachers
God has blessed us with a team of experienced teachers, most of them with formal Teaching and Child Care Qualifications. The others have been actively involved in Sunday School and Christian Youth Work for over ten years or have grown up in our Scripture Classes (held in Sydney schools since 1988) and Vacation Bible Schools.
The Co-ordinator of our Youth Ministry has NSW teaching qualifications. She has 50 years experience in taking Sunday School and School Scripture (Primary and High School). She is now involved in ministry to youth as well as families, which is very well attended. The School Scripture Co-ordinator has 30 years experience as a music teacher, remedial tutor, Sunday School and Scripture teacher.
Requirements
for SRE Teachers
Volunteers
The Church of the Living God engages volunteer teachers aged 18 or over to conduct SRE classes in the local public schools. All teachers are appointed by the pastors of the church, who require candidates to be in regular church attendance for a minimum of 10 years in most cases. Therefore all our teachers are well known to the pastors and are chosen for their Christian life and principles, and demonstrate knowledge of the doctrines, practices and beliefs of the Church as set out in the Holy Bible.
Before the start of Scripture classes in Term 1 every year, or as required, the Church of the Living God provides each school with a letter which details the names of our authorized teachers, their dates of birth and contact details.
Our teachers are trained in the use of classroom technology including interactive whiteboards and projectors as needed; they are all trained in age-appropriate teaching. They have a strong awareness of cultural diversity and the need to be sensitive in teaching children of different backgrounds. At present the K-2 (stage 1) teachers all have experience and/or formal qualifications in the Child Care Industry to equip them in this area. All our teachers are trained in the authorized curriculum used by the Church of the Living God (see Scripture Classes tab).
At the Church of the Living God zero tolerance is given to inappropriate behaviour for those who work with children. Before taking classes our teachers must have a Working With Children Check and be registered by the Church. The Church of the Living God insists that all youth workers must be an example to the young, as the New Testament says: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Ongoing Training
Attendance at the church’s bi-annual child protection training sessions is mandatory. In addition, the Scripture Co-ordinator provides bi-annual training sessions as well as mentoring and debriefing sessions after each lesson or as necessary. The Head Teacher also provides mentoring and ensures all Scripture teachers conform to church and NSW Dept of Education standards. The ongoing training and support process will guide the focus for teacher training, and the topics identified will be included in the annual assurance to the Dept of Education.
Awareness of Dept of Education Code of Conduct
During the first training session of the year, our Scripture teachers are reminded that they must comply with the school policy for discipline and co-operate with the school staff, especially with regard to class management. Our teachers understand that they share responsibility with the Department of Education for the children in their care during classes.
Complaints
Please click here to see our Complaints Form. Church of the Living God Scripture Teachers are aware of our procedure for complaints.