Preparing to Teach

Topic and Content

Topics for classes should be subjects of importance to young people. It is up to you to decide what topics you teach. The Church pamphlet “For the Strength of Youth” suggests some vital topics that could be taught. We would admonish all teachers to see that the contents of all presentations contain relevant and accurate doctrine and testimony. If you are unsure about a topic or class please ask us about it. A few guidelines:

At the present time, EFY teachers are not allowed to submit topics on Temple ordinances or Temple worship. Also, please do not prepare a class on Dating or Boy/Girl relationships. Session Directors will address the dating topic.

As we review recently submitted class titles, one concern is that quotes being used from the Brethren are not the most recent messages offered. Please be sure that your classes include the most recent council from the Brethren on your topic, for support material. Please keep your messages current.

Have a good balance of quotes from the Brethren and personal application while continually diving into the scriptures. We whole–heartedly support Elder Packer when he says “Brethren, do you understand that we emphasize the teaching of the scriptures because they are constant? From them we learn the purposes of life, the gifts of the Spirit. From them we learn about personal revelation, how to discern good from evil, truth from error. The scriptures provide the pattern and the basis for correct doctrine.” (Elder Boyd K. Packer, “The Father and the Family,” Ensign, May 1994, 19)

Class Outlines

All classes need to be cleared by Church Correlation before used at Especially for Youth. You will need to submit class outlines online before the summer begins. Here are a few suggestions when submitting outlines:

1. Your outline should be a summary of the lesson you will give. You need to include the scriptures, references for quotes, and personal stories you will be giving.
2. Be sure to include a brief description, two or 3 sentences, of your topic. This description should represent your main points, as well as the purpose of the class.
3. When referencing a quote, you need to include the complete reference otherwise, you may not use it. When referencing someone please write out their complete name (i.e. don′t write President Hinckley said... Please type President Gordon B. Hinckley said...).
4. When you plan to share a personal experience or story please state: Personal Story: and then briefly explain what you will be sharing and how it relates to your overall message. This should be no more than two or three sentences.
5. When using a song you will need to state the title and the artist. Please don′t include the lyrics.
6. When using a videotape it must be a video that the church or CES has produced. All other videos will not be able to be used in your class.
7. Classes to be taught must first be submitted and approved by the Dean and Correlation Committee. If your class titles are not cleared before the summer programs begin you will have to teach previously cleared titles.

Class Titles

Many of the new titles and outlines submitted to Correlation undergo revision during the clearance process–hopefully most of the changes are minor. Even before the outline goes to the Correlation Committee for final approval, an attempt is made to try to anticipate changes they would suggest, and modify the wording if needed. If your titles and outlines come back changed from your original submission it may be due to the following reasons:

1. The title itself does not identify the main topic or presentation. The title is unable to “stand alone”.
2. The title is too “cutesy” or clever or is used to attract curiosity only.
3. The title and topic dwell on primarily negative experiences.
4. The title and topic imply speculation of doctrine, demeaning leaders, or attacking or questioning Church practices.
5. The title and topic suggest some kind of promise or guarantee of positive results.
6. The title or description uses words that could be considered as vulgar, rude, or in poor taste.
7. The wording in the title or description purports to know what Deity may be thinking or attempts to give the reasoning behind certain actions God may take.
8. A title or description uses the name of famous entertainers or products.
9. The title or description uses words that appear exclusive such as “The best way...”, “A unique look at...”, “The 15 steps to...” Etc.
10. The title and description make light of something serious or sacred.

A/V and Other Resources

When submitting your talks online, you will have a chance to enter your audio visual needs. If you desire a projector you will have to bring your own. You may request an A/V cart and screen. You may request desired equipment but this does not guarantee that you will receive. Every campus varies in their equipment available and rental fees. Sometimes it is not possible to provide the requested equipment. We will do our very best to accommodate your requests but please be prepared to teach with or without technology.

Each youth will be given a Participant handbook in which they can take notes. You will have the choice of beginning your class with a song and prayer or just a prayer. If you choose to have the youth sing an opening song, it is helpful if you choose one of the hymns listed in their handbook, allowing all the youth to know the words to the song. Also in the handbook are dress/appearance guidelines, scripture study tools, goal setting ideas, the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood, the young women theme, and general authority quotes. If you are able, we encourage you to use these in your teaching. You are free to have a copy of this handbook — just ask your Session Director or Field Coordinator.

The last several pages of the handbook are blank. These are note pages for the youth to record their thoughts and feelings of the week, impressions they have had, and goals for the future. We encourage you to help the youth write down their feelings in class. Every youth is expected to bring their scriptures, handbook or journal, and a pen to class. Please utilize these resources.

Teaching Your Classes

When teaching please dress in Sunday best: a skirt/dress for women, white shirt and tie for men. A suit coat is optional for men depending on the circumstances in which you are teaching, use your best judgment on this issue.

We will give you a nametag and we ask that you wear when teaching with the EFY program. Whether you are teaching or participating in other EFY activities (FHE, Dance, and Games night) you are expected to live the same Honor Code, Dress & Grooming Standards as the youth. Make sure you are the example.

CES employees should not maintain contact with youth of seminary age through e-mail. Because you were hired through the Church Educational System, all EFY staff is included in this policy. We ask you as teachers to not give out your email address in your classes.