Residents wanted as primary school ethics teachers
Residents with a spare hour or two in their week are being encouraged to volunteer as a primary ethics teacher.
The demand for ethics teachers was high and more volunteers were needed, said Primary Ethics area manager Ms Cemine Sezgin.
She said voluntary ethics teachers got a lot out of the role, and contributed to the richness of students' lives.
She gave the example of Ms Jo Gardner who she said had learnt about Primary Ethics through Peninsula News and had been teaching at Woy Woy Public School since.
"She was motivated by a sense of wanting to give back, having a connection with the young generation and providing an option for parents who don't want their children to participate in religious education.
"Jo says she has found joy, amusement and all the intangible benefits of volunteering along the way."
Ms Sezgin said Ms Gardner had always had an interest in ethics and had heard Simon Longstaff of the Ethics Centre speak on a number of occasions.
She said that Ms Gardner had found the free training workshop with Primary Ethics "a wonderful experience" and that she had "learnt so much for myself about ethics and philosophy".
Ms Gardner teaches two classes a week.
She said it took her about an hour to prepare for each, reading carefully through the lesson script which is supplied to her by Primary Ethics.
"The best part of being an ethics teacher is the children," said Ms Gardner.
"I am exposed to their wonder in life.
"I like seeing the kids thinking and then coming up with ideas.
"Their talkative natures with great explaining of their thoughts, sometimes a bit convoluted but always considered and revealing their willingness to think about ethical issues."
Ms Gardner said she would encourage anyone with a spare hour or two in their week to volunteer as an ethics teacher.
No previous teaching experience is needed.
More information is available at the website primaryethics.com.au/volunteer
SOURCE:
Media release, 11 Sep 2023
Cemine Sezgin, Primary Ethics