COMPENSATION FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATORS

We have learned that the new salary recommendations for staff of UU congregations have resulted in some misunderstandings about appropriate salaries for religious educators. Some congregations have very experienced religious educators who have performed admirably in their roles, and these persons should not be devalued in terms of compensation while the UUA's new salary recommendations for more distinct educator categories are being implemented.

The new program of continuing education and credentialing for religious educators began in June 2003. For many years it has been recognized that a program to upgrade and certify UU religious educators would be a boon to local congregations. It will result in a larger pool of persons qualified to organize and lead educational programs in liberal religious societies, and it will increase the number of adults and young people who experience our churches as vital centers of learning.

The briefest description of this program follows. Further information is available from Rev. Beth Williams at bethwilliams@uua.org , 617/948-6417 or at www.uua.org/programs/ministry/reco. All of these positions assume they are filled by non-ordained laypersons.

The highest level of recognition will be that of a Credentialed Religious Educator – Masters Level with a Masters degree or equivalent, and graduate level studies in UU history and polity, religious education and philosophy, teaching methods and learning theories, at least three years experience at half-time or equivalent, and demonstrated competence in directing all aspects of a UU lifespan religious education program.

A Credentialed Religious Educator will have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, over 75 hours of training, at least two years of experience at half-time or equivalent, and the same demonstrated competencies.

Recognition as a Credentialed Religious Educator – Associate Level will require at least 75 hours of training, at least two years experience at quarter-time or equivalent, and many of the Level 2 demonstrated competencies.

A Religious Educator is a person who plans and administers a comprehensive RE program but who for a variety of reasons does not participate in the credentialing process. Most persons with this designation will have been called Directors of Religious Education in the past, and will have accomplished all the usual duties of this role.

It is important that local societies recognize the value of their present Directors of Religious Education, even as they learn about this new continuing education and credentialing program. As religious educators and congregations discern whether they will participate in the program, congregations should continue to reward the contributions of the many strong DREs who are already in place, and pay them appropriately for their experience, dedication, and service.

At this time there are over a dozen DREs who have achieved some designation in the RE credentialing program. There are other existing DREs who have applied for designation as Credentialed Religious Educator – Masters Level, Credentialed Religious Educator, or Credentialed Religious Educator – Associate Level, and more may do so in the future.

Unitarian Universalist Association
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