Spiritual Education for Children and Adults in Northern Virginia


"The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."
- Baha'u'llah

"As for thee, have for them an abundant love and exert thine utmost in training them, so that their being may grow through the milk of the love of God, for as much as it is the duty of parents to perfectly and thoroughly train their children."
- 'Abdu'l-Baha

What is the Core Curriculum

Teachers consulting on Curriculum issuesPurpose - The Core Curriculum Scope and Sequence is designed to assist teachers and communities in planning curriculum for Baha’i ­ classes and creates an integrated sequential program of learning. Using this tool throughout the nine years of instruction ensures that the full range of content is covered. By using Core Curriculum trained teachers and implementing the curriculum the school can ensure that:

- Children and youth maintain a consistent spiritual education program after moving from one community to another - Teachers have the tools, resources, and abilities to engage the students and foster a class of eager learners.
- The teachers can keep parents informed through a feedback tool that shows what a child or youth has studied or will study (Student’s Spiritual Education Record)
- There is consistency in quality and content of spiritual educational program throughout the Baha’i­ community

Teachers consulting on Curriculum issuesThis sequential approach presents a well-balanced division of all available topics of study. Criteria for this division includes diversity of topics and average capacities and
capabilities of learners.

The material is divided into three strands: The Central Figures, The World order of Baha’u'llah, and the Principle of Oneness. See the full “Scope and Sequence” for how the topics are divided up by level. Level 1- K-3, Level 2- 4-6, Level 3- 7-9. http://www.louhelen.org/nttc/downloads/SnS%208×11.PDF.

What makes a Core Curriculum trained teacher different?

The teacher will:
- will use a variety of methods in the classroom to engage all types of students
- know the importance of using, arts, music, drama, peer-teaching, self-study and not always lecture.
- know what to teach and when to teach it.
- understand the developmental stages of children.
- know where to get materials and resources.
- use prayer and self-reflection to be spiritually prepared to nurture young
souls.

What is Core Curriculum Teacher Training?

Summer of 2004 Core Curriculum trainees

The Core Curriculum Teacher Training was developed by the National Baha’i Education Task Force under the guidance and direction of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The purpose of the training is to strengthen the teachers’ unique role in the spiritual education of learners through the enhancement of their station, qualities, knowledge and skills.

This is a process that involves the individual teacher’s personal spiritual transformation and has as its goal knowledgeable, consecrated Baha’is and dedicated teachers of the Faith. The training program is thus essentially a spiritual process in which time for prayer, meditation, study of the creative Word and reflection are central and indispensable elements. The training covers how to use the new lesson planning materials and storybooks developed by the National Teacher Training Center and National Spiritual Assembly. The scope and sequence of topics will allow the Baha’i­ School to have a comprehensive curriculum in place to enhance student’s learning and love for the Faith.