Seminary & Institute Teacher (Southern Utah)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints•Cedar City, UT

About The Position

Seminary & Institute Teachers teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to youth in a Christ-centered, learner-focused, and scripture-based way. The role includes teaching, administration, professional development, communication with parents and priesthood leaders, and helping identify and enroll potential students. The position is posted for Southern Utah, where workshops are held, but openings may not be available there; full-time positions may be located in central or northern Utah, Idaho, or Arizona. Applicants begin with the REL 471 Teaching Seminary Workshop. By invitation, they may then complete a brief, 3–4-day teaching practicum at a local seminary and, by further invitation, student teach for one or two semesters. Student teaching involves no more than two classes per semester and is typically a 15–20-hour-per-week assignment. Student teachers continue training and are assessed as they are considered for employment. Full-time hiring decisions are made by Seminary and Institute administration in Salt Lake City; local S&I administrators make part-time hiring decisions according to demand. There are more student teachers than openings in any given year. Seminary instructors work the time necessary to complete their assigned teaching and administrative responsibilities. Full-time instructors are not eligible for overtime. Full-time teaching loads vary by schedule system: four of five trimester classes each trimester, six of eight classes each semester in an eight-period block system, or at least six classes in a seven-period day. Where possible, the student-to-teacher ratio should be approximately 150–180 to one, with no more than 35 students per class recommended. Seminary candidates need a bachelor’s degree; Institute candidates need a master’s degree. Both require religious teacher training (preservice) and student teaching. Applicants must be worthy and active Church members with a current temple recommend and demonstrate a testimony of the Savior and His restored gospel, alignment with Church teachings regarding marriage and family life, financial responsibility, the ability to relate to and manage a classroom of teenagers, and outstanding scripture-teaching skills in person and online.

Requirements

For Seminary: bachelor’s degree from an approved and accredited institution of higher learning, successful completion of religious teacher training (preservice), and student teaching.
For Institute: master’s degree from an approved and accredited institution of higher learning, successful completion of religious teacher training (preservice), and student teaching.
Be a worthy and active member of the Church and hold a current temple recommend.
Exhibit a testimony of the Savior and His restored gospel.
Exemplify Church teachings regarding marriage and family life.
Have and maintain a reputation for meeting financial commitments.
Relate to and be able to manage a classroom of teenagers.
Demonstrate outstanding scripture-teaching skills both face-to-face and online.
Complete the application and selection process, including the REL 471 Teaching Seminary Workshop and, if invited, a local teaching practicum and one or two semesters of student teaching.

Nice To Haves

Love of youth from all walks of life.
High character.
Capacity to teach the gospel in a Christ-centered, learner-focused, and scripture-based way.
Effectiveness in administration and ability to work well with parents and priesthood leaders.

Responsibilities

Teach students gospel doctrines and principles found in the scriptures and the words of the prophets.
Teach in ways that lead to understanding and edification.
Use approved curriculum and materials.
Teach the number of classes recommended by policy in consultation with the area director.
Accept faculty assignments.
Observe classroom teaching and provide helpful feedback to teachers.
Strive for continual professional growth.
Provide useful information to priesthood leaders and respect their time.
Establish clear and consistent methods of communication.
Work closely with priesthood leaders to identify and enroll all potential students.
Cultivate a classroom learning environment of love, respect, and purpose.
Complete assigned teaching and administrative responsibilities.