Teacher Orientation

Learning the Responsibilities of my Relief Society Teaching Calling.

SUNDAY LESSONS

Sunday lessons give the sisters a time to study and discuss the words of the prophets and apostles.

When inspired teaching takes place all are edified and nourished together.

NEW TEACHER PACKET

·         Thank You from the Relief Society Presidency for accepting the call to teach.

·         Appropriate teaching material (manual).

·         Teaching No Greater Call

·         A list of the Relief Society Presidency with updated contact information,

·         Instructions regarding substitute teachers.

·         Time and place of meetings relative to the calling.

·         Lesson planning outlines and evaluation forms.

·         Quarterly Interview outline

        ·         Review appropriate resource material.

        ·         Review the importance of being a teacher.

TEACHER APPRECIATION GIFT IDEAS

JEWEL: ‘You are a jewel, a highly valued teacher in our Relief Society.’

PLANT: ‘The kindness you show and love you share makes our testimonies grow and grow.’ OR

‘Thank you for helping us grow.’

BUBBLE BATH: Our gratitude bubbles over for your dedication as a Relief Society teacher.

FLOWER: ‘If teachers were flowers we’d pick you.’

SEASONONG MIX: “You season our Relief Society with love.’

HEART COOKIE: ‘You’re the best teacher ever…. Thank you for having your HEART in the right place.’

VINYL GLOVE FILLED WITH TREATS: ‘I’ve got to HAND it to you. You are a great teacher.’

CARD WITH SHEEP: ‘Thank you for feeding His sheep by serving in the Relief Society.’

CANDLE: Attach scripture – let your light so shine – Thanks for letting your light shine in Relief Society.’

CANDLE: "A candle is but a simple thing,

It starts with just a bit of string.

Yet dipped and dipped with patient hand,

It gathers wax upon the strand.

Until complete and snowy white,

It gives at last a lovely light.

Life seems so like that bit of string;

Each deed we do, a simple thing.

Yet, day by day, if on life's strand,

We work with patient heart and hand,

It gathers joy, Makes dark days bright,

And gives at last a lovely light.

- Clara Thurston –

A SIMPLE NOTE OF APPRECIATION

Teacher Orientation (Handbook)

Meet individually with newly called teachers in the Relief Society, preferably before each teacher’s first lesson. In these meetings, leaders orient teachers as follows:

Help teachers get acquainted with class members and encourage teachers to build a caring relationship with class members.

Help teachers understand how to use Teaching, No Greater Call and give them a copy of the book sharing a brief overview of its contents.

Help teachers understand how to prepare a lesson (Teaching, No Greater Call p. 98-99). Give teachers the approved curriculum materials and explain how to use them. (Handbook 2 p. 30-31)

TEACHING RESOURCES

Using the proper resources is an important element of gospel teaching.

“Teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fullness of the gospel. And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit.” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:12-13)

•          Scriptures
•          Church Magazines –Conference Issues & visiting teaching messages
•          Lesson Manuals
•          Latter-day Saint Woman, Part A and Part B
•          Gospel Principles
•          Family Guidebook
•          A Parent’s Guide
•          Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting Booklets
•          “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
•          “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” 
•            Teaching No Greater Call
•        Family Home Evening Resource Book
•          Providing in the Lords Way
•          Lds.org
•          ProvidentLiving.org
•          Gospel Art Picture Kit
•          Church Hymnbook
•          Children’s Songbook

                   “Few experiences compare to the joy of helping 

                              others learn and live the gospel”

 “The Church provides many resources to help parents, teachers, and leaders teach the gospel. The scriptures are the curriculum of the Church and the most important of these resources.” (Teaching No Greater Call, 105)

“A superior teacher of the gospel will teach from the prescribed course material, with greatest emphasis on teaching the doctrine and principles and covenants of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (Dallin H Oaks, Gospel Teaching, Ensign, November 1999, 78)

“I have sometimes observed teachers who gave the designated chapter no more than a casual mention and then presented a lesson and invited discussion on other materials of the teacher’s choice. That is not acceptable. A gospel teacher is not called to choose the subject of the lesson but to teach and discuss what has been specified. Gospel teachers should also be scrupulous to avoid hobby topics, personal speculations, and controversial subjects. The Lord’s revelations and the directions of His servants are clear on this point.” (Dallin H Oaks, Gospel Teaching, Ensign, November 1999, 78)

“He has been given an authoritative position… and those whom he teaches are justified in assuming that, having been chosen and sustained in the proper order, he represents the Church and the things which he teaches are approved by the Church. No matter how brilliant he may be and how many new truths he may think he has found, he has no right to go beyond the program of the Church.” (The Teachings of Spencer W Kimball, ed. Edward L Kimball (1982), 533)

“We have observed that some teachers have fallen into a habit of using additional commentaries or other courses of study to supplement their lesson material. This year’s lesson guide has been simplified so that teachers and students can center their study on the scriptures.” (Joseph B Wirthlin, Teaching by the Spirit, Ensign, Jan 1989)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Teaching No Greater Call Chapters 35

MY TEACHING CALLING

 “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:22)

“And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit. And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.” (Doctrine and Covenants 42: 13-14)

“I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-78)

“Few experiences compare to the joy of helping others learn and live the gospel.” (www.lds.org)

“Every position in the Church requires an effective teacher.” (L Tom Perry, Ensign, June 2007, 84)

“The role of a gospel teacher is “to help individuals take responsibility for learning the gospel—to awaken in them the desire to study, understand, and live the gospel and to show them how to do so. … The learning has to be done by the pupil. Therefore it is the pupil who has to be put into action” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 61).

 “To teach effectively and to feel you are succeeding is demanding work indeed. But it is worth it. We can receive ‘no greater call’ … For each of us to ‘come unto Christ,’ to keep His commandments and follow His example back to the Father, is surely the highest and holiest purpose of human existence. To help others do that as well—to teach, persuade, and prayerfully lead them to walk that path of redemption also—surely that must be the second most significant task in our lives. Perhaps that is why President David O. McKay once said, ‘No greater responsibility can rest upon any man [or woman], than to be a teacher of God’s children’ ” (Jeffrey R Holland, Ensign, May 1998, 25).

“Effective teaching is the very essence of leadership in the Church.”

“Effective teaching is the very essence of leadership in the Church. Eternal life was come only as men and women are taught with such effectiveness that they change and discipline their lives. They cannot be coerced into righteousness or into heaven. They must be led, and that means teaching.” (Gordon B Hinckley, How to be A Teacher When Your Role as a Leader Requires You to Teach, 5 Feb 1969)

“Our business as teachers is to teach His doctrine and none other. There is no other course we can follow if we are to save souls. We have no saving power of our own. We cannot create a law or a doctrine that will redeem or resurrect or save another person. The Lord only can do these things, and we are appointed to teach what He reveals on these and all gospel doctrines.” (Bruce R McConkie, Teaching No Greater Call, 8)

“One of the best things the teacher can do is to turn his listener to the Lord. Elder Richard G Scott suggested this principle when he said, ‘If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students that to help them recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally.” (Gene R Cook, Teaching by the Spirit, 18)

“Teach the doctrines of salvation; supply spiritual food; bear testimony of our Lord’s divine Sonship – anything short of such a course is unworthy of a true minister who has been called by revelation. Only when the Church is fed the bread of life are its members kept in paths of righteousness.” (Bruce R McConkie, Teaching No Greater Call, 5)

“Effective gospel teaching nourishes and uplifts those who are willing to listen. It builds their faith and gives them confidence to meet life’s challenges. It encourages them to forsake sin and obey the commandments. It helps them come to Christ and abide in His love.” (True to the Faith, 168-170)

“When effective teaching occurs in Relief Society, sisters will be spiritually uplifted and better able to apply gospel principles in their lives. I believe effective teaching includes knowing your sisters, relying on the Spirit, and allowing the sisters to feel the love of the Lord in their lives.” (Bonnie D Parkin, Teaching: An Entrance to the Heart, Fall 2004 Open House)

“Wherever you are in your development as a teacher, if you are open to the inspiration of the Spirit, Heavenly Father will help you grow in your capacity to teach. As you reflect on the principles [of teaching], you will feel the promptings of the Spirit instructing you on how to apply [those] principles in your teaching. Remember, the Spirit is the real teacher and will instruct us individually according to our needs.” (Brian Gudmundson, Questions, the Heart of Learning and Teaching, Ensign, January 2008, 26-29)

“Every teacher can be a better teacher than he or she is today… Every learner can be a better learner than he or she is today. And every classroom can be a better classroom.” (Virginia H Pearce, The Ordinary Classroom – a Powerful Place for Steady and Continued Growth, Ensign, Nov 1996, 11)

“Most people don’t come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. The come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, as best we possibly can. We can only do that if we ourselves are striving to know God, if we ourselves are continually seeking the light of His Only Begotten Son. Then, if our hearts are right, if we are as clean as we can be, if we have prayed and wept and prepared and worried until we don’t know what more we can do, God can say to us, as He did to Alma and the sons of Mosiah: ‘Lift up thy head and rejoice… I will give unto you success.’” (Jeffrey R Holland, A Teacher Come from God, Ensign, May 1998, 25)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“Where can you go as a teacher to enhance your teaching skills?

TO TEACH BY THE SPIRIT

“The Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:14)

“Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? And if it be by some other way it is not of God.” (D&C 50:17-18”

“Seek the Holy Ghost as you teach.”

“As teachers “our role is to prepare ourselves to be worthy, to prepare the environment, and to present certain material in a teaching setting - and then the Holy Ghost will do the teaching. Certainly we can learn things from other people; another man or woman can teach us things we need to know. But if we want permanent change, the Holy Ghost must be involved... The major role of a teacher is to prepare the way so that the students will have a spiritual experience with the Lord… All true gospel teaching is done by the Holy Ghost… We must be careful not to get in the way. The most important thing a teacher can do is to help the student feel the Spirit of the Lord. If the Spirit is there, true teaching and true learning will take place, and lives will begin to be changed.” (Gene R Cook, Teaching By the Spirit, 13-15)

“The most effective teaching occurs by the power of the Spirit, or the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead who manifests ‘the truth…of all things’ [Moroni 10:4-5]. The Lord said, “The Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.’ (D&C 42:14). Only through the influence of the Spirit can gospel teaching by edifying and inspiring.” (True to the Faith, 168-170)

“The Spirit of God speaking to the spirit of man has power to impart truth with greater effect and understanding than the truth can be imparted by personal contact even with heavenly beings. Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten.” (Bruce R McConkie, Teaching No Greater Call, 41)

“It may become convenient for a class to become teacher-centered ... In truth, the scriptures tell us that the Holy Ghost will teach and that… teachers, are to prepare the way for the Spirit to guide us. This… emphasizes that class members as well as teachers are in a setting wherein they may be guided by the Spirit.” (Gene R Cook, Ensign, Jan 1898, 12)

“The teacher takes the lead as they share what they have learned from their experiences in applying gospel principles which have given them testimony and knowledge relative to their understanding of the doctrines of the Church. Sometimes there is a tendency for teachers to assume they must give all of the answers, that they must convey the total material in the manual to class members, that they must draw in additional resources beyond the scriptures in order to teach. Now we want teachers to more fully center on the Spirit and on the actual present needs of class members. It also helps teachers to search for the means to help class members apply gospel principles in their individual lives. Hopefully, these class experiences will turn us more toward the Lord, allow us to be touched more frequently by the Spirit, and thus make successful our individual efforts to repent and change our lives.” (Gene R Cook, Ensign, January 1989, 12)

“A teacher’s goal is greater than just delivering a lecture about truth. It is to invite the Spirit and use techniques which will enhance the possibility that the learner will discover the truth for herself and then be motivated to apply it.” (Virginia H Pearce, The Ordinary Classroom – a Powerful Place for Steady and Continued Growth, Ensign, Nov 1996, 11)

“Teachers and class members should seek the Spirit during the lesson. A person may teach profound truths, and class members may engage in stimulating discussions, but unless the Spirit is present, these things will not be powerfully impressed upon the soul.” (Dallin H Oaks, Gospel Teaching, Ensign, November 1999, 78)

“We must… get our teachers to speak out of their hearts rather than out of their books, to communicate their love for the Lord and this precious work, and somehow it will catch fire in the hearts of those they teach.” (Teachings of Gordon B Hinckley (1997), 619-20)

“Doctrine gains its power as the Holy Ghost confirms that it is true. We prepare those we teach, as best we can, to receive the quiet promptings of the still, small voice. That takes at least some faith in Jesus Christ. It takes at least some humility, some willingness to surrender to the Savior’s will for us.” (Henry B Eyring, The Power of Teaching Doctrine, Ensign, May 1999, 73)

“It is the Spirit which teaches the spirit.” (David O McKay, Teaching the Gospel, A Handbook for CES Teachers, 2)

Teachings for our Times

Each lesson can be prepared from one or more talks given in the most recent general conference. Leaders stress the value of Melchizedek Priesthood brethren and Relief Society sisters studying the same talks on the same Sundays. Those attending fourth-Sunday lessons are encouraged to study and bring to class the latest general conference issue of the magazine.