Why Teach RE?
No other subject addresses the big questions in life like RE. It goes to the very heart of what it is to be
human. Furthermore, the issues it covers are in the news on a daily basis, so RE has never been so relevant and beneficial.
As an RE teacher you’ll help young people make sense of the world around them. And you’ll equip them with religious literacy and skills that will last a lifetime.
If you’re an inspiring, imaginative, questioning individual and enjoy a challenge, you’ll enjoy a career teaching RE.
Don’t take our word for it, hear from RE teachers themselves:
Why do you want to train as an RE teacher?
We asked some students who plan to apply to become RE teachers what their motivation was…
“An RE teacher needs to have a firm and diverse understanding of the complexity of the subject matter. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I have endeavoured to explore the most in-depth realms of what it takes to become a successful RE teacher, whilst delving deeper into my life passion. There is a need for more properly qualified teachers who have studied religions in depth. They can teach about religions with more accuracy, inspiring students to take their own studies further. My heart has been set on teaching from a young age as I have the understanding of how important religious education is to the younger generation. This vision motivates me to help set the foundations for life in secondary pupils.”
Jenna
“I want to show that RE is a subject that should be appreciated more and help students tackle the ‘big ethical questions’ in life.”
Eleanor
“To be a part of, and teach a subject that intersects, whether visibly or not, with every aspect of human life, both academically and socially.”
Dan
“RE is much more than teaching students about religion, RE teaches students how to understand their peers and community.”
Serena
In the simplest terms, studying religion and belief has a claim to be an indispensable part of a complete education because of the influence of religions and beliefs on individuals, culture, behaviour and national life. Most religions and beliefs offer answers to life’s deepest questions. And most young people are seeking answers to those questions, as they grow into independence and work out how to live a good life.
James Carr from John Hampden Grammar School explains why RS is important to him
RE provides opportunities for children and young people to reflect and analyse, to discuss and debate, to explore and discover, and to learn more about the world in which they live. What could be more exciting than being part of this?
“Whenever I come out of RE my head is exploding with questions and my whole body aches – this is not because I don’t understand – it is because I’m buzzing with new thoughts.”
12 Year Old Pupil NATRE Survey 2008
“It was RE that developed my cultural awareness and helped me empathise with and understand people from different traditions. Without RE it is very likely that I, coming from a deprived and culturally homogenous background, would have remained ignorant of others’ faiths and cultures. I want my students to benefit as I did from a solid Religious education.”
James
Salary and Conditions
For information about current salaries, terms and conditions of employment as a teacher please follow the link to the Teacher Agency website:
http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/salary
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