I admit it! I’m a fan of Project Runway. Many of the designers have such talent and knowledge in their field. The unconventional challenge allows them to take basic rules and stretch their creativity to the very heights. I feel the new Relief Society/Priesthood guidelines offer us the solid basics yet allow us to use our creativity to reach higher levels of spirituality.

If Tim Gunn and I were friends, we could talk for days about art, literature, and good taste. Just because we don’t see eye to eye on everything doesn’t mean we couldn’t be friends. I believe he is a really nice guy. I recently read his book, The Natty Professor. He is a teacher, at heart, and he shared what he felt were the most important qualities a teacher can have, formed in an anachronism: TEACH

Truth Telling

He expressed how important it was to be truthful to your students. Don’t tell them something is outstanding if it really isn’t. It made me think of all those athletes who have grown up not being able to read because everyone was putting sports ahead of learning.

Empathy

It’s really important to learn to love your students and all their foibles. We all are at different levels, but no one deserves to be left behind. We just don’t know the backgrounds they come from and it really pays to get in there to learn about them, how they learn, and help them succeed where they are able.

Ask Questions

Teachers need to ask questions. There is nothing worse than a teacher who likes to hear him/herself talk. And there is also nothing worse than a teacher who doesn’t encourage his/her students to think, explain their ideas, or share experiences. Who knows what wonders might be revealed when a teacher simply asks.

Cheerlead

Students, especially in the elementary, middle, and high school years generally lack confidence. They need teachers who are willing to believe in them, allow them to explore, and experience little successes. How many people have been greatly affected the rest of their lives because a teacher became their cheerleader?

Hope for the Best

Once in a while, there are children who simply can’t fit in. They either act out, have mental or physical difficulties, or their home situation is too much for them to navigate. A teacher must always try hard to reach all their students, but they must also know when to back off and simply hope for the best for that student.

When I read Mr. Gunn’s list, I was impressed with how encompassing it was. I thought he was spot on and wondered if the same could be applied to our new teacher guidelines. So, here is my version of TEACH:

Truth and Doctrine

We have truth and doctrine at our fingertips. We call them scriptures and we need to use them when we teach. Many of us aren’t very comfortable with this idea, but the invitation has been given repeatedly. Find scriptural examples to share in class and open up a discussion on what is the truth and doctrine. Ask how we can live better because of it. Challenge sisters to relate scriptures to a General Conference talk. Prophets (more than one) have asked sisters to become scriptorians.  

Edify by the Power of the Holy Ghost

Strive to feel the spirit when you’re together. The spirit is not emotional, it is satisfying. You will literally feel stronger and want to do things that will allow you to feel the spirit again and for longer durations. How do you call upon the spirit in a Relief Society class? You use the scriptures. You testify of Jesus Christ. You share appropriate experiences that have strengthened you in times of difficulty.

Ask Questions

The teacher is now a facilitator. It is her responsibility to set the mood of the classroom then ask questions. Believe it, or not, there is an art to asking the right questions. Questions need to penetrate the first layer of reason. Questions need to cause us to stretch. We all have our own ideas. Why are these ideas important? Do the answers lead to Christ? Do questions cause us to rethink, remember, recommit?

Cheerlead

Relief Society is full of like-minded people. Knowing others are on your team makes it easier to get through the tough stuff. When one of your group is struggling it feels good to know you can all pray for the success of that person. We all can fight for the very souls of our dear friends.  

Hold Back Hell

Yep, you read that right! Our leaders have been very vocal about how we all need to defend truth, stand up for right, and fight against the darkness. What can your Relief Society do to stop evil from coming into your ward or neighborhood? Keep in mind, Satan thrives on giving us “causes” to keep us from our true cause. We must stay focused on the only cause: to build the kingdom of God. We all must do our part.