Thoughts on improving teaching in the ward

Sent on Jan 27:

Bishops,

During my visits to wards this month, I have tried to attend as many youth classes (both 2nd and 3rd hour) as possible. Overall, many teachers are catching the vision. Others are not making any attempt to change.

I realize this is only the first month and it may take months, if not years, for the New Youth Curriculum to take root. I believe we can accelerate the results if you'll consider doing the following:

1. Assign members of your bishopric (and Sunday School presidency) to sit in all youth classes in your ward during the month of February. Only on one occasion did I observe a leader sitting in on a class that I visited this month. You'll want to see for yourself what's happening in your ward.

2. Help each teacher understand that if they're speaking more than the students, they've missed the point of the New Curriculum. In one class today, the teacher spoke 95% of the time. It broke my heart. The key to the new curriculum is learning to ask questions (not knowledge questions) and expecting ALL the students to come up with answers from their hearts. Learners' souls are touched when they share from their heart.

3. Have all teachers of youth (Sunday School, Young Men, Young Women) meet after the block meetings each Sunday for a 10-minute "huddle" to compare notes as to what they're finding is successful and what is not.

Please help youth take ownership of their learning by teaching teachers how to facilitate discussion with the right questions and silence.

We have such an amazing opportunity to enhance the teaching of our youth. Please don't miss this opportunity in your ward.

Gratefully,

Pres Lewis

Sent on Feb 5:

Bishops,

Few things in our worship impacts members' testimony more than teaching the gospel either in the classroom or over the pulpit. I have felt for some time that we can deepen testimonies of members by giving them more opportunities to teach and preach. To that end, will you consider…

1. Where feasible, create smaller gospel doctrine classes and rotate several teachers to give more members the opportunity to teach (note that in smaller classes, learners must take ownership of their learning…a key principle that is being stressed in the new youth curriculum);

2. I have asked the stake presidency to consider having high councilors only speak in sacrament meeting every other month (6 times per year) instead of monthly opening opportunities for more of your ward members to speak in sacrament meeting.

If so inclined, would you give me your feedback as to these thoughts? We will be discussing this in stake presidency this Sunday and I would welcome your counsel, as well.

Gratefully,

President Lewis