Professional Development Opportunities for Religious Educators
The Renaissance ProgramComposed of nine professional development modules that provide basic training in a specific area useful to religious educators. When five have been successfully completed, the UUA recognizes this achievement with a Letter of Recognition. Many districts also award lapel pins or other means of recognition. The Renaissance Program is a recognized component of the new Religious Education Credentialing program.
Meadville Lombard Theological School
An independent, accredited, graduate theological
seminary located in Chicago, Illinois. Meadville/Lombard prepares students for
the Unitarian Universalist ministry as well as leadership positions in religious
education and the social services. Of particular interest to religious educators
is an online course on Unitarian Universalist history, the school's winter and
summer Intensive courses on a variety of subjects, and its annual Winter
Institute conference for religious educators, ministers, lay leaders, and
seminarians held in Madison, Wisconsin, each February. In the future, look for
information on a new education program for lay leadership.
Starr King School for the Ministry
An accredited graduate theological seminary whose mission is
to educate people for religious leadership, especially Unitarian Universalist
ministry. Of particular interest to religious educators is the school's summer
session and its online courses in a variety of subjects. In fall 2003, Starr
King will add a new master's degree—the Master of Arts in Religious
Leadership for Social Change (M.A.S.C.). This two-year program will integrate
theological study, spiritual practice and professional development.
Harvard Divinity
School of Harvard University
HDS has historical and contemporary links to
Unitarian Universalism. Of particular interest to lay professional religious
educators are continuing education opportunities available through the Boston
Theological Institute, the Theological Opportunities program, and various public
events at the school.
Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA)
Sponsors
an annual Fall Conference on different topics of interest to religious educators
as part of its advocacy for the support of religious educators and the field of
liberal religious education.
Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly
Includes many workshops, lectures, and meetings of
professional interest to religious educators serving Unitarian Universalist
congregations and other organizations.
Unitarian Universalist Association Coming Events
Lists a calendar of many denominational-wide upcoming
events, including continuing education events and those of professional interest
to religious educators.
The Mountain's Learning Center for Leadership
Dedicated to helping the
lay and professional religious leader build and practice leadership skills. Of
particular interest to religious educators is the Leaderships School for
Religious Educators, online courses on topics related to religious leadership,
and "Leadership Matters," a quarterly newsletter providing resources to
congregations to explore what it means to be a learning community.
The Mountain Retreat Center
Hosts Religious Education Week
at its Highlands, North Carolina, facility. Sponsored by the Mid-South and Thomas
Jefferson UUA District Religious Education Committees, this summer event
provides a week of continuing education and training in religious education,
worship, fellowship and camp-style fun.
Ferry Beach Camp and Conference Center
Sponsors a
Religious Education Week at its Saco, Maine, facility on the shores of the
Atlantic Ocean. Religious Education Week is a lively summer week of professional
development, spiritual growth, and just plain fun for Unitarian Universalist
religious educators and their families.
Star Island Religious and Education Conference Center
Located in the Isles of
Shoals off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Every summer it is host to a
Religious Education Conference designed to meet the professional and personal
needs of those both new to and experienced in Unitarian Universalist religious
education as well as family and friends.
Naropa University
A fully accredited college and graduate school with a Buddhist educational
heritage. Of particular interest to religious educators is the university's MA
degree in Contemplative Education, online courses in many subject areas, and the
annual Spirituality in Education Conference.
For more information contact recredentialing @ uua.org.
Last updated on Tuesday, May 15, 2007.
