We’re starting a new series on the website that we’re calling “Meet the Teacher.” We’re interviewing teachers in the Church in a wide range of teaching callings, asking them all the same five questions.
We hope that their perspectives and ideas will help other teachers, as well as build a feeling of comradery, as teaching can sometimes feel lonely!
Our first interview is with Sister W. from Arlington, Texas. Let’s jump in!
1. What is your current calling, and what other teaching callings have you held in the Church?
Youth Sunday school teacher. I’ve been a Primary teacher (several levels), Relief Society teacher, Beehive instructor, Gospel Doctrine instructor, Institute teacher, Seminary teacher, music director in Primary and ward and Stake Choir Director and Stake Seminary advisor.
2. What is your favorite thing about your current teaching opportunity?
The flexibility of the lesson topics.
3. What is your biggest challenge and how have you addressed it?
Keeping them engaged. I don’t give them empty time. There is always something to discuss and I use a variety of methods to keep them engaged. No one gets to just sit. I have jobs and activities for all. I also do not let them sit in rows. We circle up so there is no head of the table issues. That lets me facilitate better and I can look them in the eye easier.
4. If you could wave a magic wand and have anything you wished for in your teaching role, what would it be?
Technology that didn’t have to be set up each week and chairs that stayed put. It is hard to get everything set up before the kids get to the room. It is a more welcoming environment for them when I can be at the door to greet them. If I am not, sometimes the girls will head down the hallway to find the boy they are coveting. I would love it if our classrooms had storage areas so I didn’t have to haul so much. I also wish there was more of a co-op between YM/YW so we could utilize the time for topics better, i.e., family history experiences.
5. What is something you wish the members of your class really understood?
I wish and pray that one day it will click in their spirits that what we talk about can’t just be talk. It has to be their life style choice. Who they are with me and what they profess with me should be who they are all the time and with everyone.
Thanks, Sister W., for sharing your insights.
We’re looking forward to our next interview!
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