What
UCCF Teaching Network is brand new this year. We’re gathering Education and Teaching students from all over the UK to think, pray and grow as Christian teachers as you prepare to enter the profession.
Our aim is that the many Christians who train to teach will boldly live as salt and light as you walk into your classrooms, staff rooms and back to your desks to write research essays. My hope is that you'll be able and ready to speak of Christ when you can and working from the firm foundation of Jesus in all of life.
Why
As many teachers will know, the training and early years in our profession can be some of the most challenging. Not only are there skills to learn, but a whole education culture to understand and all while balancing passion and achievement with the need to rest and live whole, human lives.
UCCF has existed for over 100 years to help students to see Jesus as Lord of their whole lives; worthy of living for and speaking about. Students are sent by local churches, join CUs on university campuses and live alongside those you find there.
As students, you share your lives and, of course, when you can, your faith. And for 100 years many, many bold students have called many, many more to consider following Jesus.
Wouldn’t it be great to have Christian teachers, studying at our universities, who are determined to honour God with their work? You have an opportunity to reach your campus as you dive into learning this year.
We can approach the world of Education knowing Jesus is Lord and thinking critically about how that makes a difference to practice. Not only that, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to qualify from our courses as distinctive professionals each year who are loving, living and speaking as ambassadors for Christ in schools and beyond?
I’m excited to imagine what beautiful, fresh-air breathing change we could bring to hearts and lives in this ever-hopeful, ever-stretched profession. So stay tuned with us, pray with us and let's do this together.
What now?
You've made it here, well done! And you've arrived right at the beginning of the Teaching Network beginnig this year, Autumn 2021. Before you go, don't forget to sign up to hear about all that is happening and how you can pray.
If you're in a uni, or a school with other Christian Education or Teaching students, why not let them know about this and get together sometime soon to share and pray?
There’ll be social media sites, more to come on this website and, in time, a podcast and resources will spring up - so watch this space!
Katie Shaw
UCCF's Teaching Network Coordinator and Strategic Resources Developer