OVERVIEW

The Buddhist Council of New South Wales facilitates dozens of volunteer Buddhist teachers who go to a government school on a weekly basis. Our teachers have a choice of teaching in primary schools or secondary schools, in an area of their choice. The choice of schools is due to the many schools on our waiting list who do not yet have a Buddhist teacher.

As well as providing induction training, textbooks and advice, we plan at least one "in-service workshop" each year to bring our teachers together.  This in-service workshop includes presentations from the Department of Education and experts in Dharma and teaching.  The Buddhist Council of New South Wales also has a special fund which helps to cover the costs of the teaching in schools program. 

Can you teach buddhism to young people?  Many of our teachers didn't think they could until they started and they realised that they know much more than they realise.  With your basic knowledge of Dharma and the textbooks, you will be able to provide young people with a spiritual foundation for this life and beyond.

The Buddhist Council of New South Wales is recognised by the Department of Education and Training for accreditation of Special Religious Education teachers in New South Wales.  Each teacher must sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration (which states they are free from any convictions for child molestation, assault or drug offences.)  Our Special Religious Education Programme covers schools throughout New South Wales, but they are mainly located in the Sydney metropolitan area.  Our guidelines for teachers recommend that if meditation is taught during the lessons, it should either be mindfulness of breathing (Anapanasati) or Loving Kindness (Metta Bhavana).