In religious education, the role of the teacher is very important. Teachers cannot fulfill the functions of the Holy Ghost, nor can they take away the student's responsibility for learning, but they can have a profound influence on how students interact with the Holy Spirit and with each other. A teacher can prepare and teach with the prayer of faith (see D&C 42:14). A teacher can practice the principles of edification and create a relationship where students feel trusted and loved and want to learn more about the gospel. A teacher can teach, explain, clarify, illustrate, and exhort so that students can more clearly understand gospel principles. And, perhaps most importantly, a teacher can testify of his or her own love for Heavenly Father, his Son, and for the students. A teacher can testify of the value of gospel principles in daily life. By such personal examples, teachers can help students see that the gospel can bless their lives.
Those who have been taught by a great teacher understand just how important a teacher's role can be in learning the gospel. Teaching is not only at the heart of the Church Educational System, it is also at the heart of the mission of the Church. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, "We all need to be touched and nurtured by the Spirit, and effective teaching is one of the most important ways this can happen" (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982), p.524).
President Ezra Taft Benson also noted, "The teaching of the word then is the answer to the redemption of souls. This is what we are about today" (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988), p.312).
The following are important aspects of a teacher's role:
- Prepare Yourself
- Decide What to Teach and How to Teach It
- Classroom Control and Eliminating Distractions
|
