Guest Author - Terrie Bittner

It's almost the beginning of a new year. You have a new class, maybe even a new calling and you want this year to be your best ever. How can you prepare now to have a successful teaching experience?

Begin by getting the manual and the class list as soon as possible. Read the entire manual from cover to cover, and don't skip the introductory material at the front of the book. Even if you've been teaching forever, you will find valuable material that stands out this time because it better applies to your new situation. Watch for the overall theme of the manual and the preferred
teaching styles suggested by the lesson plans. Notice what concepts the manual strives to present.

Start a teaching file. Create folders for each lesson topic and files on your computer. Search the church site for articles and talks that apply to these lessons. In general, you don't need much supplementation, but everything you find will help you to better understand the topic, even if you don't use all the material you collect. Over the years, you will build an impressive resource
file you can use in any teaching situation.

Check the lessons to see if any are on subjects you don't understand, don't feel comfortable with or don't have a testimony of. You can begin to strengthen your testimony and your knowledge now. If you reach the week of the lesson and still don't have a testimony of the topic, ask the inservice leader or another worthy person to teach the class while you watch.

Now turn your attention to the class list. Mark the names of the students you know. Begin seeking information on those you don't know. How active are they? Are their families active or even members? How long have they been in the church. If they are adults, do they have callings? Does anyone have a disability you should know about? Are any of them likely to be challenging
to teach?

It is especially important to learn about children and teenagers. I once taught a class in which I asked the children to share experiences if they had moved. To my horror, one of the children said he had been literally abandoned by his parents one day-left on a doorstep-as a little boy and was being raised by someone else. He started to cry as he remembered and the rest of the lesson
was a real challenge. Had I properly researched my students, I would have known this and would have chosen a different opening than the one given in the lesson. Make sure you know if your young students have parents who are non-members, inactive, not in the home and so on. Plan your lessons carefully so that these children are comfortable. If possible, visit younger students before the first day.

It can be helpful to place one blank page in your teacher's notebook for each child. Try to have both sides of the paper filled by the end of the year. Learn the essentials first, and every week, try to learn a little more. One year I told the children I had written a list of things I wanted to know about them and would try to get one question answered every week. They loved being asked their weekly question and reminded me when I forgot.

Finally, make a plan for the year. Students of all ages feel more comfortable when they know what to expect. If you teach children or teens, decide on your rules and make a plan to teach the rules. How will you create a reverent environment? What will your schedule be? How will you review or test knowledge?

When your materials are gathered and your plans are made, you will enter the classroom feeling confident and looking skilled. You may have to adjust your plans as you learn the personality of your class, but always start with a plan anyway.

Don't forget to pray, to study...and to have fun!


Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings