Becoming a Buddhist Teacher in Primary Schools

The Buddhist Council of NSW is always looking for passionate people to teach Buddhist values to young people

Currently, our Special Religious Education (SRE) program sees around 60 volunteer teachers visiting primary schools to provide Buddhist ethics lessons to approximately 3000 students weekly. With your help, those numbers can be a lot higher! The success of our SRE program is reflected in the growing waiting list of schools needing a Buddhist teacher. We currently need another 40 volunteer teachers to join the teachers already active.

If you are passionate about teaching Buddhist values and life skills to the younger generation, please contact us and we will provide training, teaching materials and a contribution towards out of pocket expenses where required. Our SRE Programme covers schools throughout NSW, but most of our classes are located in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Becoming a Buddhist Scripture (SRE) teacher

Many of our teachers didn't think they could teach Buddhist ethics to young people until they started. All we ask is for a sincere heart and a genuine interest in imparting values and life skills to young people. To qualify, you are only required to have a basic knowledge the Buddha’s teaching, as only elementary topics are taught. With a basic knowledge of Dharma, you will be able to provide young people with a spiritual foundation for life. If you are a committed Buddhist with some free time during school hours, we need you.

What is required: ⦁ An authorised Working With Children Check; this is free to obtain for volunteers ⦁ Attend an SRE teaching workshop over 1.5 days ⦁ A reference letter from a Buddhist temple or practice group, to show that you are

a practitioner ⦁ Sign a Volunteer Declaration Code of Conduct

We put in our best efforts to place you in a school of your choice with the need for an SRE teacher on a day that is most suitable for you.

Ongoing Support for Buddhist Scripture (SRE) Teachers

Education Fund

The Buddhist Council has a tax deductible Education Fund that helps cover the costs of teaching Buddhism including out of pocket expenses of volunteer teachers. If you require financial assistance, please email our SRE Team.

Workshops

Throughout the year, the SRE Team arranges workshops so that SRE teachers can learn and share new teaching approaches that engage young children. These in-service

workshops include presentations by guest speakers including expert teachers and monastics with expertise in Buddhism.

Free Materials

The SRE Support Team distributes free teaching materials and class handouts, SRE books and audio CDs. Special teaching materials are also available for loan from our SRE Reference Library. If our teachers need any assistance they can contact our SRE Team by email.

Information for Schools offering SRE

According to the Religious Education Policy of the NSW Department of Education and Training, and under section 32 of the Education Act 1990, there is a legislative requirement that, "in every government school, time is to be allowed for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion".

The Buddhist Council of NSW is approved by the NSW Department of Education and Training to provide SRE in NSW Government Schools. The authorisation of personnel to teach SRE is the sole responsibility of each individual religious body. We are also a member of the NSW Department of Education and Training Director-General's Consultative Committee on SRE.

Schools requiring a Buddhist SRE teacher should email our SRE Team, providing contact details of the school, age group and the number of children who wish to attend a Buddhist SRE class.

Other Education Programs

Career seminars for students and graduates

A common interest for tertiary students and recent graduates is how to strike a balance between career ambition and an ethical life. The Buddhist Council of NSW and its members occasionally run seminars on this important topic.

Adult education for newcomers to Buddhism

Many adults who are new to Buddhism have difficulty finding a basic course in Buddhism. The Events page of our website has been designed to promote Buddhist community events including educational workshops and courses.

General Religious Education

Students undertaking Studies of Religion for their Higher School Certificate can contact the BCNSW for further resources. In May 2010 the Buddhist Council ran a full-day program which covered the following topics from the HSC Studies of Religion syllabus: Bioethics, Sexual Ethics, and Environmental Ethics.

Bodhi Tree Education Resources Website

A website for young people and teachers who have an interest in the teachings of the Buddha and how it can help us live more eco-sustainably and alleviate the current environmental problems.