Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Welcome back to our early morning seminary teacher training series! In this video, we discuss the essential principles of sacred instruction and teacher conduct, focusing on how to keep the classroom spiritually safe while ensuring the Savior remains the hero of every lesson.
Key Concepts Covered in This Training:
The True Focus of a Teacher: The primary focus of all religious educators should be to glorify Heavenly Father and lead their students to Jesus Christ. Teachers must guard against the desire to be praised, which can lead to priestcraft where teachers "set themselves up for a light unto the world". Teachers should be careful that their use of humor or personal stories is not done merely to entertain or win the praise of students.
Avoiding "Personal Disciples": President Howard W. Hunter warned of the genuine danger of being so persuasive that students build an allegiance to the teacher rather than the gospel. Because you will not always be available to your students, you must invite them into the scriptures themselves and invite them directly to Christ. As President Hunter plainly taught, "you do not need personal disciples".
Guarding the Spirit in the Classroom: To maintain a spiritual environment, there are several methods and behaviors teachers must avoid:
Competition: Use competition carefully, as individual competition can lead to contention, embarrassment, and cause the Spirit to withdraw.
Negative Reinforcement & Sarcasm: Most students feel inadequate and need to be built up and encouraged rather than having their shortcomings reinforced. Additionally, sarcasm is almost always negative and hurtful, leading to a loss of the Spirit.
Language and Conduct: Profanity and vulgarity have no place in a religious setting, and teachers should avoid shouting or arguing. Furthermore, teachers should never use their physical size and strength to intimidate or coerce a student.
Addressing Gender-Specific Language: Teachers should be aware of and sensitive to gender-specific language in the scriptures, reminding students that some masculine terms refer to both males and females. For example, when the Lord said "all men, everywhere, must repent," He was speaking to both men and women. However, there are exceptions where masculine forms are specific, such as references to the Godhead or priesthood duties.
Watch now to learn how to keep your instruction safely focused on the Savior and maintain a reverent, uplifting classroom environment!
Welcome back to our early morning seminary teacher training series! In this video, we discuss the essential principles of sacred instruction and teacher conduct, focusing on how to keep the classroom spiritually safe while ensuring the Savior remains the hero of every lesson.
Key Concepts Covered in This Training:
The True Focus of a Teacher: The primary focus of all religious educators should be to glorify Heavenly Father and lead their students to Jesus Christ. Teachers must guard against the desire to be praised, which can lead to priestcraft where teachers "set themselves up for a light unto the world". Teachers should be careful that their use of humor or personal stories is not done merely to entertain or win the praise of students.
Avoiding "Personal Disciples": President Howard W. Hunter warned of the genuine danger of being so persuasive that students build an allegiance to the teacher rather than the gospel. Because you will not always be available to your students, you must invite them into the scriptures themselves and invite them directly to Christ. As President Hunter plainly taught, "you do not need personal disciples".
Guarding the Spirit in the Classroom: To maintain a spiritual environment, there are several methods and behaviors teachers must avoid:
Competition: Use competition carefully, as individual competition can lead to contention, embarrassment, and cause the Spirit to withdraw.
Negative Reinforcement & Sarcasm: Most students feel inadequate and need to be built up and encouraged rather than having their shortcomings reinforced. Additionally, sarcasm is almost always negative and hurtful, leading to a loss of the Spirit.
Language and Conduct: Profanity and vulgarity have no place in a religious setting, and teachers should avoid shouting or arguing. Furthermore, teachers should never use their physical size and strength to intimidate or coerce a student.
Addressing Gender-Specific Language: Teachers should be aware of and sensitive to gender-specific language in the scriptures, reminding students that some masculine terms refer to both males and females. For example, when the Lord said "all men, everywhere, must repent," He was speaking to both men and women. However, there are exceptions where masculine forms are specific, such as references to the Godhead or priesthood duties.
Watch now to learn how to keep your instruction safely focused on the Savior and maintain a reverent, uplifting classroom environment!
