What's that Credentialing about, anyway?

Hi Everyone!

It's great to be back to Channing and all you great people! I have been heartened by the kind congratulations and interest in my recent acceptance into the Religious Educator Credentialing Program through the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association). In the latest Catalyst, I promised to give a description of the program and what I will be doing to receive Credentialing. Most of this information is available on the UUA website and some of the following description comes from their Credentialing brochure.

The Religious Educator Credentialing Program was developed to strengthen Unitarian Universalist religious education through the continued development and professionalization of lay religious educators, and to provide a clear and effective system for standards and recognition of these achievements. There are three levels of achievement- Associate, Credentialed and Master. I will be going for the Credentialed Level. My timeline is to be finished in the Spring of 2011.

To qualify, I must submit documentation of a Bachelor's degree, 110 hours of practical training and professional experience, complete a reading list, submit a statement of personal religious philosophy and a preferred pedagogy, submit recommendations from person's familiar with my professional achievement, and submit a portfolio reflecting learning and accomplishment in 12 competency areas deemed critical for excellence in religious education leadership. The competency areas include: anti-oppression, anti-racism and multicultural diversity, right relations and professional ethics (including safe congregations), human and faith development, religious education administration, volunteer management, worship, Unitarian Universalist History and Polity and philosophy of Unitarian Universalist religious education, among others.

The portfolio will include, for each competency area: work samples, documentation of academic courses and trainings, leadership experiences in and beyond the congregation and a statement of scope of knowledge of the subject.

I will also have a mentor through LREDA (the Liberal Religious Educators Association) with whom I will meet monthly. As the culmination of the program, I will have my portfolio and materials approved by the Religious Education Credentialing Committee (RECC), as well as a 3/4 hour long presentation to and examination by the RECC.

PHEW!

I'll be posting updates on my progress here on the blog. Wish me luck!