2. RE teaching: A career beyond the ordinary
The Government reintroduced training bursaries for Initial Teacher Training in RE from 2015/16. These are still available for 2016/17 and there is a need for qualified, specialist RE teachers. Now is a great time for anyone interested in becoming an RE teacher to enter the profession. This presentation provides an overview of the exciting career opportunities available.
If you would like more information or additional materials, please

3. The link will open a new window in YouTube (the National Association of Teachers of RE channel). The video explores life as an RE teacher through the eyes of Lynsey Wilkinson, head of RE at Redhill Academy near Nottingham.
Click on the image to show the campaign video (internet connection required)

4. Why teach RE? RE is a highly topical subject - just look at the news!
Young people’s religious literacy has never been so important
RE has changed significantly in the last few decades. Faith and belief issues are still a significant part of the curriculum, however RE is much broader now, exploring highly relevant philosophical and ethical questions.
RE is extremely popular among students. Full course GCSE and A Level entries continue to rise year on year (faster than most other subjects), and RE is considered excellent preparation for university by leading higher education institutions.
RE covers faith and belief traditions, as well as philosophy and ethics…
…topics at the very heart of what it is to be human
As an RE teacher you will help equip young people with knowledge and skills that will last a lifetime

5. Is RE for me? There are no stereotypes!
A natural progression from Theology, PPS, and RS
RE teachers also have degrees in sociology, psychology and other disciplines
You need a keen interest in topical debate and issues of faith and belief…
…and a desire to inspire a new generation of critical thinkers
While a theology, PPS and RS degree is excellent preparation for teaching RE, many RE teachers hold degrees in other disciplines and subject knowledge training is available to prepare them as an RE teacher. Many other individuals change from a variety of careers to enter the profession.

6. Will I get funding and support?
Bursaries are available in 2018/19
Up to £9,000 a year depending on your degree result
Great subject knowledge courses before and after qualifying, such as The Teach RE course (TREC) and New2RE
More support available from the National Association of Teachers of RE, the RE Council and others
RE has political backing from all the main parties
The DfE has announced that training bursaries will be available for those wanting to become RE teachers in 2016/17.  These will be £9,000 for trainees with a 1st or a PhD and £4,000 for trainees with a 2:1.  For more information, see: 
RE teachers benefit from a strong community of colleagues and advisors offering support and training throughout their career and beyond.
The TREC course is for anyone looking to develop their understanding of the subject further or refresh their thinking.
The Teach RE course (TREC) is tailored to individual needs. It is suitable for primary and secondary teaching and is run as a distance learning programme. Support is provided by a tutor and a certificate of completion is provided which can be used as part of a CPD portfolio.
New2RE is a three-year early career development programme for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) and is delivered by the National Association of Teachers of RE.

7. What other benefits are there?
A minimum starting salary of £22,000 per year
Leading teachers can earn up to £65,000 per year
High performing teachers progress faster up the pay scale based on annual appraisals
Promotion and development prospects: Head of Department, pastoral leadership
Leadership opportunities (Headteachers can earn up to £114,000 per year)
Excellent preparation for further careers
At a minimum of £22,023 (or £27,543 in inner London), the starting salary in teaching is high compared to other graduate starting salaries. Leading practitioners can earn up to £65,324 in London and £58,096 outside London, while Headteachers can reach a salary of between £42,232 and £114,437.
In addition to a basic salary, teachers also receive a range of benefits, including:
teaching and learning responsibility (TLR) payments – additional money for taking on additional responsibilities
teachers' pension – the second largest public sector pension scheme in the country
holidays – more days than many people in other professions, though teachers work for 195 days per year in school, and do some work during their holidays
More information can be found here:

8. “I’ve found teaching RE to be a force for good in a difficult world.”
What RE teachers say…
“Pupils never cease to amaze me and I love to see their enthusiasm and joy for the subject growing.”
“I’ve found teaching RE to be a force for good in a difficult world.”
“Feels amazing – especially when you can turn young people’s brains on to ethics and why the way we act in the world matters.”
Teaching offers a stimulating, varied and rewarding career path. Those who choose to teach RE talk about a career that goes way beyond the ordinary.
“I love seeing how young minds are stimulated by exploring other people’s beliefs and how it affects their lives.”
“Being able to deal with challenging questions and turn that into fascination and wonder is very rewarding.”

9. teachre.co.uk/beyondtheordinary
More information
Click on the image to access the ‘Beyond the Ordinary’ campaign microsite. The site provides more information and details of how to access additional advice and support. There is a facility to ask current RE teachers and advisors questions about entering the profession.
teachre.co.uk/beyondtheordinary

10. Support and advice on RE teaching
Teach:RE teachre.co.uk
UCAS ucas.co.uk
If you have any questions about the campaign or would like additional materials, please
Get into Teaching education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
Train to Teach traintoteach.education.gov.uk
To chat to an Teach:RE advocate teachre.co.uk/beyondtheordinary/ask-a-question/

12. The Beyond the Ordinary campaign is generously supported by: