Teacher Talk Sessions: How are Your Teachers Feeling?

Teacher Talk Sessions

Quarterly Appointments to touch bases with each Relief Society Teacher

TEACHER REPORTS

Priesthood and auxiliary leaders develop a supportive and caring relationship with teachers. After their initial orientation meeting, leaders regularly meet with individual teachers to learn of the teachers’ needs, discuss the needs of those they teach, and review the principles outlined in this section (The Work of Salvation in the Ward and Stake.) They encourage teachers to set goals according to the article titled “Making a Plan to Improve your Teaching’ on pages 24-25 in Teaching, No Greater Call.

Help teachers understand how to supplement the curriculum with Church magazines, particularly the general conference issues of the Ensign. (Handbook 2, p. 30-31)

Instructions from the Handbook

Effective gospel teaching helps people grow in their testimonies and their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It strengthens members in their efforts to live according to gospel principles. When God’s word is taught with spiritual power, it has a “more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than… anything else” (Alma 31:5). Priesthood and auxiliary leaders encourage effective teaching in their organizations. They remember that Church members attend meetings seeking the power, peace, and inspiration provided by the word of God.

Priesthood and auxiliary leaders strive to teach the gospel effectively. They are also responsible for the efforts to improve learning and teaching in their organizations. In these efforts, they may counsel with the ward Sunday School presidency.

The Example of Christ

In all efforts to teach the gospel, Jesus Christ is the example. He showed genuine love and concern for the people. He strengthened them individually, teaching gospel principles in a way that would help them with their unique needs. He awakened in some the desire to understand and live the gospel. At times He asked questions that would help them apply what they learned. He taught the saving truths of the gospel, helping His hearers understand what they needed to know, do and be in order to receive the gift of eternal life. (True to the Faith, 168-70)

Questions to Ask

PRINCIPLES OF TEACHING: Review principles from the handbook (p. 31) Love those you Teach, Teach by the Spirit, Teach the Doctrine, and Invite Diligent Learning. Address any questions that arise as you discuss these teaching fundamentals. (Teaching No Greater Call p. 24-27)

SOURCES: Review Sources in prioritized order beginning with scriptures, curriculum materials and then the General Conference Ensigns.

NEEDS OF CLASS MEMBERS: Do you feel you are able to meet the needs of the sisters in the class? Are you aware of any special needs that members of this class may have? Inform the teacher if they are unaware of special needs or concerns that they should know about.

TEACHER CONCERNS: Do you have any problems or concerns that the Relief Society Presidency can help resolve?

INVITING DILIGENT LEARNING: Ponder together how to help and assist the class with taking responsibility for learning.

TEACHING QUALITY: How do you feel about the lessons you teach? Is there anything specific you would like help or instruction with?

CHALLENGE AND GOAL: Give a challenge and help teachers set a goal on how to improve their teaching.

OVERALL SATISFACTION: Are you happy in your Relief Society teaching assignment? If not is there anything that can be done to remedy the problem?

GRATITUDE: Express sincere gratitude for the efforts and dedication of each teacher you interview. Express your love for them and encourage them to continue to do their best to bring the Spirit in to the lessons they present.