INSPIRE IMPROVEMENT

1 TEACHER SUPPORT

1.1 LEARN THE TEACHING STANDARD OF THE CHURCH 

A Stake Supervisor’s primary responsibility is to help teachers understand and strive to reach the teaching standard of the church. The teaching standard is found in Teaching in the Saviour’s Way. They should also keep up to date on current teachings from prophets and apostles and those chosen to lead us. Become familiar with resources for teachers at S&I TEACH.

1.2 CLASSROOM VISITS 

Regularly visit teachers, offering support and encouragement (each school term or as geography and situation permit). Contact the teacher before the visit. The primary objective of classroom visits is to support the teacher and fill any needs he or she may have. Seminary teachers naturally feel isolated in their calling since they are "out of sight, out of mind" of other adult members of the church. The stake supervisor can be a powerful help and comfort throughout the challenges of seminary teaching. Classroom visits can also provide an opportunity for observation and feedback. Feedback should always be encouraging and inspiring. Observations from classroom visits can also be valuable as they are discussed with the coordinator and priesthood leaders in determining what skills and support could be given attention in upcoming training and Teaching in the Savior’s Way Discussions. Please see section 2.2 for some principles of observation and feedback.

1.3 MAINTAIN CONTINUED CONTACT WITH TEACHERS 

Maintain contact with teachers through Canvas, e-mail, phone, private Facebook page, and visits to give support or counsel as needed. The stake supervisor can help keep teachers informed and current with enrolment, deadlines, stake activities, teacher gatherings, student completion efforts, and assignments.

1.4 ENCOURAGE/ASSIST COMPLETION EFFORTS 

To complete and receive credit for a seminary year each student must attend a minimum of 75% (completing make-up work when not met), complete two Assess Your Learning lessons (one per semester), and complete the minimum required reading. Stake Seminary Supervisors can encourage students and assist teachers to meet these high expectations by answering questions, sending reminder e-mails, providing resources, offering classroom support, working with priesthood leaders, etc.

2.2 OBSERVATION AND FEEDBACK 

One of the purposes of classroom visits and phone calls is to observe teaching and provide helpful feedback. After visiting a class and as requested by the teacher, offer positive feedback and teaching suggestions from Teaching in the Savior’s Way. Before the visit ask the teacher what skills they and the students are working on. Their response will invite counsel and help the Stake Supervisor to focus on specifics. Be cautious to give feedback when the teacher is in a receptive state - the end of a stressful class may not be the best time to discuss improvements. A carefully considered e-mail can also be effective feedback. Be careful to uplift and enlighten (see Doctrine and Covenants 50). Constantly assess and develop your own observation and feedback skills (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, or counsel with your S&I Coordinator). Help teachers reach the teaching standard of the church and not a particular style.

3 PRIESTHOOD SUPPORT

3.1 CALLING OF NEW TEACHERS 

Work with high councillor and/or bishops to identify needs for new seminary teachers. If desired, help bishops understand seminary teacher qualifications and identify potential teachers. New teachers should be called early enough each year to be oriented and prepared for the upcoming year.

3.2 NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION 

Soon after a new teacher is called, the seminary supervisor should collect important contact information from the teacher and communicate this information to the coordinator and administrative assistant over their area. The supervisor should then ensure the new teacher completes Annual Training found in Canvas.

3.3 HELP BISHOPS MONITOR STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

 Regularly update bishops with attendance info for students facing difficulties. Encourage students and parents as the situation allows. Check teachers' input of attendance in WISE at least once a week and support all teachers, according to their needs.

3.4 ASSIST IN GRADUATION EFFORTS 

Encourage teachers and students to collect and report completion data for stake graduation. Assist the high councillor to prepare and complete the seminary graduation ceremony. Work closely with high councillors throughout the year so that programs may be prepared easily, and high councillors can effectively communicate with stake leaders.

3.5 ENSURE S&I CALENDARING FOR THE STAKE 

Calendar all S&I activities, broadcasts, and training on the stake calendar reserving needed facilities and time slots. This could include S&I annual broadcasts, seminary opening and closing social activities, seminary graduation, in-service meetings, etc. Assist stake leaders in arranging location and venue needs for S&I annual broadcasts.