An Interview with Sparrow Alden, Director of Religious Education
By Joan Niernberg
It is time for everyone to learn more about Sparrow Alden, Director of Religious Education: Joan Niernberg interviewed Sparrow this summer:
JN: Sparrow, where did you come from and how did you end up at UUCUV?
SA: I’m a life-long UU. I did my undergraduate degree (in Psychology and English Lit) at Bowdoin College and my graduate work (Social Psychology) at Dartmouth. While I was at Dartmouth, I found the UUCUV in 1990 and have been a visitor, friend, member, and staff member since then. In 1997, I became the RE chair, and I discovered what a Director of Religious Education does. I thought, “Wow, Kate (my predecessor) has a great job!” Then in 1999, the DRE search committee posted the position and here I am.
JN: Do you have a background in education?
SA: I’ve been teaching in some form or another since 1980. From swimming at summer camp to statistics at Granite State College, teaching is one of the primary ways I engage in the world. Now that my focus is not just on content, but on religious exploration, curriculum development, and supporting the volunteers who make it happen in our RE programs, I find that being a DRE integrates my skills and my values and my vision. I’m truly called to be a religious educator. The UUA has an excellent program of continuing education for DRE professional development, as well as a credentialing program for those of us who have chosen to make it our profession.
JN: Curriculum development?
SA: I write or customize most of our Sunday School curricula - that’s mostly how I spend my summers. I’ve written two Green RE curricula which other congregations have purchased and used. I’ve added environmental and science stories to the Spirit Play canon, and the UUA published my support materials on interfaith families. In the RE community, I am the gal to contact with questions about Green Sanctuary, and I’ve been pleased to present a few workshops on the topic at district and UUA events.
JN: What do you want people to know about the RE program at the UUCUV?
SA: I want people to know that RE is for everyone. Children’s Sunday School is the centerpiece of RE, but there is so much more going on. The RE committee and I are working to offer something for everyone regardless of your personal spiritual style. JN: What is the best thing about your job? SA: Elizabeth & Bruce! Their collaboration inspires me to try new programs, new approaches to learning. It feels as though the UUCUV has a very stable tripod of professional staff. The day I met Bruce, I began to plan for 60 registered Sunday Scholars, a vital Youth group, and ongoing, comprehensive Adult RE.....Bring it on!
JN: What would you like us to know about you personally?
SA: My wonderful spouse, and son and daughter and I live in a straw bale, passive solar cabin in Plainfield; I have an Earth-centered personal spiritual life. My daily internet fix is NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day and I hope my children live in space. Folks should probably also know that my biggest kick as DRE is making RE seem effortless - never a worry for the congregation, just a great source of support for themselves and pride in their congregation. With everyone’s help and support along the way, the UUCUV Religious Education program is ready for whatever comes our way. ......Bring it on!