President Osguthorpe’s Special Training for Leaders and Teachers, Part II

In the Saturday, October 24, Training for Leaders and Teachers, President Russell T. Osguthorpe, General Sunday School, asked leaders to commit to provide ongoing support to teachers through follow-up and praise. President Osguthorpe quoted Neal A. Maxwell, "We can add to each other's storehouse of self-esteem by giving deserved, specific commendation more often . . ." (Neal A. Maxwell, "Notwithstanding My Weakness," Ensign, Nov 1976, 12).


The following are resources that may help you accomplish this goal of providing follow-up assistance:


1.  http://www.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4839-1,00.html

"In counseling with teachers, leaders should allow the teachers' needs and concerns to guide the direction of the discussion. To help teachers think about how they are doing and what they can do to improve, leaders may want to ask questions that prompt careful thought, such as those in the following list. Such questions can also help leaders discover specific ways to help.

• How are you feeling about your calling as a teacher?
  
• Are there some experiences you have had with your class that you would like to talk about?
  
• Will you share some examples of how class members are responding to the lessons you teach?
  
• What are some specific needs of individual class members?
  
• What are some of your goals as a teacher?
  
• What can I do to help you accomplish your goals?
  
• What are some topics that you feel should be addressed in teacher improvement meetings?
  

Leaders should listen carefully to teachers' responses and help them find answers to their questions and concerns. Leaders can encourage teachers by helping them see their strengths and the good things they are accomplishing. When they offer suggestions, they should do so with humility and love. They should keep in mind the following statement by President Spencer W. Kimball:

"I find myself hungering and thirsting for just a word of appreciation or of honest evaluation from my superiors and my peers. I want no praise; I want no flattery; I am seeking only to know if what I gave was acceptable" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 489)."

2.  Many aspects of teacher support are discussed on pages 4-6 of Improving Gospel Teaching: A Leader's Guide. Topics include: Counseling with Teachers; Helping Teachers Plan for Improvement; Helping Teachers Who Feel Inadequate; Visiting Classes; Encouraging Quorum or Class Members to Support Their Teachers; and Expressing Appreciation for Teachers' Efforts.



3.  Additionally, Teaching No Greater Call has two chapters that will assist in on-going support: Making a Plan to Improve Your Teaching (p 24) and Obtaining Support from Your leaders (p 28).



Following these suggestions will build unity within your Primary and children's lives will be changed through effective teaching.