Intercultural competences of a religion teacher in a culturally diverse school

Abstract

Acquiring and developing multiple professional competences is one of the key responsibilities and challenges of religion teachers. It is part of the core areas of professional development. It is conditioned by the cultural differentiation of the contemporary school. It has its justification in the educational law regulations concerning school education of children of foreigners, national minorities and ethnic minorities. Acquiring and developing intercultural competence requires from teachers of religion both up-to-date knowledge in the field of intercultural education as well as practical skills and appropriate attitudes towards cultural difference. Cooperation with entities involved in the formation of intercultural competences of religion teachers seems to be particularly valuable. In addition to initiatives taken by the staff of catechetical offices and teacher training centres, the activities of non-governmental organizations are also educationally valuable. They require more promotion among religion teachers. Hence, it is worth creating a space for sharing good practices in intercultural education in the teaching of religion.