Joanne Ryder-Smith

- degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from John Moores University, Liverpool. I wanted to be a teacher from an early age. I was taught by some wonderful teachers who inspired me to have the same effect on other young people. RE was my favourite subject, from scripture to discussion, and I moved school at 18 in order to study it at St Mary's, Crosby. I was the first girl to study RE at that Christian Brothers' College. Although I gained a place to do theology, I decided to become a nurse! I qualified and enjoyed an good career, but the ambition to teach RE never left me. I wanted to teach secondary pupils, as I enjoy working with young people, and have done in Camp America, teaching EFL abroad and local enterprise days. My degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology first very well with the way RE is taught now, since the events of 9/11 and 7/11. I think it is vital that young people understand the world they live in, and are stewards of it. RE can help them to talk through controversial topics and end on a respectful conclusion. I feel very lucky to be part of that.