A new online teacher training program is available, free to Presbyterian congregations. The Opening Doors to Discipleship program is suitable for both seasoned and new teachers, can be completed in any order and at any pace. It is hoped that teachers in a congregation will take the course with their minister or a mentor from their church.
“I think this is a pretty exciting project,” said Dorothy Henderson, project manager and editor, and the Presbyterian Church's associate secretary for Christian education. “It is, to my knowledge, the first product of its kind and I have lots of interest from other denominations wanting to use this resource.”
The course is a joint effort of five denominations (all members of PREP — Presbyterian and Reformed Educational Partnership), though the PCC has taken a leading role with four Presbyterians editing, writing, designing, and directing the program.
The course offers topics such as understanding adult learning, using creative writing and drama, discipline in the church school, how children and youth learn, and designing a welcoming environment. The program is broken down into three sections: teacher training skills, basic Bible, and Reformed/Presbyterian beliefs. Currently, only the first is available; the others will be released next year. An online discussion forum — something that could be a useful link for people all over the world — is also offered.
For more information visit openingdoorstodiscipleship.com. — AM
