For Leaders—Orienting and Supporting Teachers

As a leader, you have the responsibility to “meet with newly called teachers” in your organization and “help them prepare for their callings” (General Handbook, 17.3, Gospel Library). These meetings are an opportunity to introduce new teachers to their sacred callings and inspire them with a vision of what it means to teach in the Savior’s way. As a leader, you can help new teachers prepare to serve by doing the following:

• Express confidence that the Savior will help them in their calling (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:78).

• Give new teachers a copy of this resource, and encourage them to look for ways to apply its principles in their teaching.

• Share with new teachers anything about your organization that would be helpful for them to know.

• As needed, tell new teachers which room to teach in and what lesson to begin with. Provide any information they need about their class and class members.

• Explain to new teachers that you can help them with their calling. Offer support in the classroom and access to teaching resources if needed.

• Offer to observe teachers’ classes occasionally, and provide feedback as prompted by the Spirit.

• Invite teachers to participate in quarterly teacher council meetings.

Throughout the teachers’ service, continue to meet with them periodically to give ongoing support. For example, you could have a brief discussion with a teacher before or after class to discuss the principles of Teaching in the Savior’s Way. Ask the teacher about what they feel they are doing well and ways they would like to improve. Encourage them with kindness and with gratitude for the service they give.

You should prepare for these discussions by watching the teacher teach. Seek to better understand the teacher’s strengths and discover ways you can offer support. Building on a teacher’s strengths is just as important as identifying opportunities for improvement.