How Will Your Teachers Grow in 2012?

Effective teachers are the key to strong Sunday Schools.

Yes, curriculum is extremely important, since a flawed curriculum is a huge obstacle for any teacher, especially one with limited background or experience.

But even the best curriculum may fail if the teacher is unskilled, inexperienced, unmotivated, or not well prepared.

So, how will you work to equip your teachers, and yourself, for great Sunday School education in the new year?

Here are some tools to consider.

The Teacher Guide
The Growing in Christ teacher guides are packed with helpful information and tips. If a teacher uses the guide fully and regularly, he or she is likely to grow. In particular, the key point, Law/Gospel points, and biblical commentary on the first two pages of the lesson are packed with potential. I suspect, though, that the teacher who has taken too little time in preparation may be skipping over these gems.
The Sunday School Spot Web Site
CPH is working to improve this site in the new year, but it even now has some wonderful opportunities for growth. One of best are the "Seedlings" podcasts. These weekly recording are highlighted on the first page under the Teacher Spot tab. where a link brings up a 20- to 30-minute discussion of the next Sunday's lesson. Former editor Pam Nielsen shares her wisdom with Sunday School teachers each week courtesy of the folks at Issues, Etc. (We failed to post podcasts in about six of the last 52 weeks, but we plan to do significantly better in 2012.)
Teachers Interaction
If you are not yet providing this magazine for your teachers, by all means, consider it for 2012. Teachers Interaction is the only magazine devoted specifically to strengthening the Lutheran Sunday School teacher for the crucial task of teaching God's children His Word. I will happily send a sample copy to anyone who would like one. Post a comment to this post, or e-mail me at tom.nummela@cph.org.
Teacher Meetings and Training Opportunities
How do you train your teachers? Are teacher meetings and training courses a thing of the past? I'd love to hear what you do in your congregation along these lines.

God bless your task in the year ahead.