Classroom Management

Hello, Teacher! This is a page packed full of resources to help you in the little details of managing a spiritual classroom environment!

As you identify what you need (or think you need) as a teacher or what your students need, go to the corresponding section: Are your students on their phones a lot? Go to section 6. Do you want students to participate more? Go to section 3. You get the idea! Come back to this page as often as you need to for help and ideas!

As you lead with and follow the principles of teaching found in the Teaching in the Savior's Way manual, these added practical management solutions can be tools to help you cultivate a positive engaging classroom environment to help all students experience the objective of seminary and institute classes.

Cultivating a Learning Environment of Love, Respect, and Purpose

When teachers and students love and respect the Lord, one another, and the word of God, learning is enhanced. A shared sense of purpose focuses efforts and expectations and gives direction to the classroom experience. Establishing and cultivating such an environment of love, respect, and purpose is the responsibility of both teachers and the students and invites the edifying influence of the Holy Ghost. (Gospel Teaching and Learning)

It is important to remember that no teacher, no matter how gifted or faithful, can fulfill the functions of the Spirit. Occasionally teachers may try to manufacture a spiritual experience. Elder Boyd K. Packer taught: “You cannot force spiritual things. … You can no more force the Spirit to respond than you can force a bean to sprout, or an egg to hatch before its time. You can create a climate to foster growth, nourish, and protect; but you cannot force or compel: you must await the growth”

(“Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).

Practical Ideas Table of Contents

The following practical ideas are meant to help you think about little things you can do as you prepare for the year and throughout the year to continually cultivate an environment of love, respect and purpose in your class in partnership with your students. If you are looking to be more prepared in any of the Ideas, click on the "Deeper Dive" topics to learn more.

1. Reframe What Seminary Is

2. Prioritize Whose Voice is Heard

3. Set and Actively Reinforce Participation Expectations

4. Train Students To Use Scriptures & Journals Daily

5. Use the Manual Effectively

6. Establish Clear Phone Expectations

7. Positive Seating Management in Seminary

8. Final Thought

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