Local schools are seeking parents and grandparents to volunteer as ethics teachers to help develop a future generation with strong ethical reasoning skills. In public schools across the State, ethics classes are offered as an alternative for children who do not participate in the Special Religious Education (SRE) program. 

However local schools in the Kiama district are facing a shortage of ethics teachers, even though the position does not require any previous teacher training or experience.

Since 2011, the Special Educations in Ethics (SEE) program has been implemented in over 500 schools in New South Wales, delivered by the not-for-profit organisation, Primary Ethics. The goal is to support students to develop skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and collaborative inquiry. 

For young people, it teaches a variety of skills: how to listen to all points of view, disagree respectfully, resist peer-pressure without losing friends, and be able to give the reasoning behind their opinions. 

As a year two student from Minnamurra Public School told The Bugle: “I love my ethics classes. It teaches you about what’s fair and not fair, and how to feel proud of yourself for your decisions.”

For ethics teachers, however, it is an unpaid position and requires an ongoing weekly commitment, preferably for a minimum of one school year. This means it can be difficult for parents or grandparents to juggle alongside other jobs and childcare.

But, according to ethics teachers, the reward is worth the effort. Lisa Shirlaw is in her third year of teaching ethics at Minnamurra Public School. “I just love teaching ethics to my daughter and her peers,” she says. “It’s such a beautiful opportunity to see them working together and having thoughtful discussions.”  

For eligible adults interested in training to become an ethics teacher, Primary Ethics offers free training both online and face-to-face, lessons scripts and ongoing teacher support. All volunteers undergo a Police Background check and a Working with Children check.

“The lessons are easy to follow, all the resources are ready to go and you’ll always have the support of the classroom teacher in the room with you,” explains Shirlaw. “I would highly recommend anyone who enjoys working with the curious minds of children, and wants to contribute to the community in a meaningful way, to give teaching ethics a go.”

Currently, ethics classes at Kiama Public School are held on Wednesdays, and at Minnamurra Public School on Tuesdays. To find out more, visit primaryethics.com.au/volunteer.