S&I Apprentice Program. for Newly Hired Teachers with Preservice

Transcription

1 S&I Apprentice Program for Newly Hired Teachers with Preservice Preliminary Copy 2012

2 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE... 1 DEVELOPING MASTERY OF THE SCRIPTURES... 1 BECOMING IMMERSED IN THE PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND STANDARDS OF S&I... 2 IMPROVING YOUR PERFORMANCE AS A TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR... 2 APPRENTICE PROGRAM DETAILS AND PROCEDURES... 2 DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL STUDY... 3 Scripture Study Assignments... 3 S&I Handbooks and Materials Study Assignments... 4 MONTHLY TRAINING MEETINGS... 4 VISITS AND OBSERVATIONS... 5 THE APPRENTICE SEMINAR... 5 WORKING WITH A MENTOR AND THE AREA DIRECTOR:... 5 The Mentor... 5 The Area Director... 6 APPRENTICE PORTFOLIO... 6 SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THE S&I APPRENTICE PROGRAM... 7 APPENDIX A: SCRIPTURE STUDY ASSIGNMENTS SCHEDULE... 8 Old Testament Study Assignments... 8 New Testament Study Assignments... 9 Book of Mormon Study Assignments... 9 Doctrine and Covenants Study Assignments APPENDIX B: S&I HANDBOOK AND MATERIALS STUDY ASSIGNMENTS SCHEDULE SCHEDULE A SCHEDULE B... 12

3 THE APPRENTICE PROGRAM IN SEMINARIES AND INSTITUTES OF RELIGION INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE Welcome to Seminaries and Institutes of Religion! As a new teacher in S&I, you will have many opportunities to learn and grow and develop your talents and abilities related to teaching Heavenly Father s children in seminary or institute. One of your first such opportunities will be participating in the S&I Apprentice Program. This program will introduce you to professional development in S&I, accelerate your ability to prepare and teach effectively, and assist you in your initial efforts to accomplish the S&I Objective. We hope it will also help you establish a foundation for a fulfilling and successful career in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion! Your participation in the apprentice program will consist of a variety of activities and opportunities. You ll engage in a directed study of the scriptures and of S&I Handbooks. You will participate in monthly training meetings, several class visits and observations, and the Apprentice Seminar held at the end of the first year. You will also benefit greatly by working closely with a mentor and occasionally with your area director. To keep a record of what you are learning and how you are growing during the program, you will be invited to create a portfolio that can be shared with your mentor, principal, area director, and others. Each of these elements of the apprentice program will be described and explained in more detail later in this document (see Apprentice Program Details and Procedures ). Specifically, the aim of this program is to give you early, consistent, and effective support as you seek to make significant progress in the following three areas: 1. Developing your mastery of the scriptures 2. Becoming immersed in the principles, practices, and standards of S&I 3. Improving your performance as a teacher and administrator DEVELOPING MASTERY OF THE SCRIPTURES One of the most important efforts you can make at the beginning of your career (and throughout it as well!), is to strive to develop mastery of the context, content, and truths of the scriptures. In the apprentice program, you will be invited to engage in a concentrated, directed study of the standard works. You will be encouraged to study and analyze their contents carefully to learn important historical, cultural, and geographical details and to understand the story line, people, events, and sermons that make up the scriptures. You will be challenged to identify and understand gospel doctrines and principles that emerge from each scriptural account, and to write them out in clear, succinct statements. As your understanding of the context and content of the scriptures grows, along with your understanding of the doctrines and principles they contain, your confidence and ability to teach the scriptures with power will increase. 1

4 BECOMING IMMERSED IN THE PRINCIPLES, PRACTICES, AND STANDARDS OF S&I A second facet of the S&I Apprentice Program is intended to help you become more quickly and completely integrated with the principles, practices, and standards of S&I. Throughout your career, your growth, improvement, and development as a teacher and administrator will be directly related to how well you understand and how hard you are trying to meet the standards that are set forth and explained in S&I handbooks and materials. Of primary importance in assisting you in this effort will be the two handbooks, Gospel Teaching and Learning A Handbook for Teachers and Leaders in Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, and Administering Appropriately A Handbook for CES Leaders and Teachers. IMPROVING YOUR PERFORMANCE AS A TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR Improving your actual performance as a teacher and administrator is a third aim of the S&I Apprentice Program. Consequently, you will be accountable for making a consistent effort to apply in your daily work assignments the things you are learning as a participant in the program. You will be invited to create and maintain a meaningful plan of action that will help you to focus on specific things you should do, based on what you have come to know, understand and feel in your learning. Your plan should contain practical and measurable steps that you can take to improve your performance as a teacher and administrator. Your mentor and principal can be especially helpful to you as you participate in this process. They will visit your class often and will help you make accurate, ongoing assessments of your performance. They can help you establish a plan for improvement in areas where you need it most and can help you be accountable for your efforts to implement your plan. You will want to include in your apprentice portfolio a copy of your plan as well as any correspondence that occurs between you and your mentor or principal. APPRENTICE PROGRAM DETAILS AND PROCEDURES As mentioned in the introduction of this material, the S&I Apprentice Program consists of the following: Directed individual study Monthly training meetings Visits and observations The Apprentice Seminar Working with a mentor and the area director. An apprentice portfolio 2

5 DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL STUDY You will spend a significant amount of time completing the directed individual study assignments outlined in the S&I Apprentice Program. These study assignments, described below, will be based in the scriptures as well as in selected S&I handbooks. They will help you establish a foundation of learning and understanding that will be key to your growth and development throughout the apprentice program. SCRI PT UR E STUDY ASSI GN MENT S As an apprentice, you will be given monthly scripture study assignments. These assignments are organized such that your study will cover about one standard work per year. (Although the two-year apprentice program will see you through the study of only two of the standard works, you are encouraged to complete your study of all of them by participating in a similar effort during your third and fourth years of employment.) You will be asked to follow a pattern in each study assignment that coincides directly with the initial stages of lesson preparation explained in the Gospel Teaching and Learning handbook. As you follow this pattern, your study efforts will include: Reading the assigned scripture blocks, Dividing the blocks into smaller content-related segments or groups of verses, Writing summary statements for those segments, Identifying and understanding doctrines and principles, Reviewing doctrines and principles identified in the curriculum, as well as those taught by living prophets and apostles. Writing out statements of doctrine or principle Before you begin your monthly scripture study assignments, you will want to read the Decide What to Teach [4.3.3] section of the Gospel Teaching and Learning handbook, especially the segments entitled Understand the context and content of the scripture block being taught, and Identify and understand doctrines and principles. The things explained there will help you better understand what you are being asked to do in each study assignment and why you are being asked to do it. Additionally, a series of online tutorials has been prepared which introduces and models effective study and lesson preparation skills in a hands-on, interactive approach. The first two of these online lessons ( Outline the Scripture Block, and Identify Doctrines and Principles ) can provide for some guided interaction between you and your mentor and can be a means for furthering your understanding and ability to successfully complete each scripture study assignment in the apprentice program. Faithfully completing your scripture study assignments will prepare you to contribute meaningfully at your monthly apprentice meetings. The records you keep of the things you learn and the correspondence you have with others in the process will also serve as an important contribution to your apprentice portfolio. The Scripture Study Assignments Schedule (see Appendix A) provides the timetable for you to follow as you study each of the standard works throughout your first four 3

6 years of employment. It also provides specific instructions for what you are to do for each study assignment. S&I HAN DBOOK S AN D MAT ERI ALS STUDY AS S IGN MENT S You will be invited to read and study various selections of content from the S&I Website, as well as from two handbooks: Gospel Teaching and Learning a Handbook for Teachers and Leaders In Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, and Administering Appropriately A Handbook for CES Leaders and Teachers (see Appendix B: S&I Handbook and Materials Study Schedule ). You will have many opportunities to discuss with others what you have learned and to ask questions and seek clarification from your leaders regarding your efforts to understand the standards of teaching and administering S&I. You will want to find simple, effective ways of documenting the things you learn and include them in your apprentice portfolio. MONTHLY TRAINING MEETINGS For the two years during which you are an apprentice, you will attend a monthly training meeting with other newly-hired teachers in the area. These training meetings are under the direction of the area director. Both first and second year teachers attend together. Circumstances may prohibit gathering in one location for the monthly meeting, in these cases the area director may suggest viable alternatives. These meetings are intended to assist you in accomplishing the aims of the apprentice program. One segment of the meeting will provide an opportunity for you to share with others insights you have gained while completing your scripture study assignment for that month. The Scripture Study Assignments Schedule (see Appendix A) divides the study of the standard works into the segments that you are to study for each of the monthly meetings you will attend. The schedule also contains specific instructions as to what steps you should take to complete the assignment. A second portion of the monthly meeting will consist of a discussion that will address selected topics in the S&I handbooks. These discussions will be led by the area director or by one designated by him and will provide an opportunity for you to become familiar with the principles, practices, and standards of S&I. The S&I Handbook Study Assignments Schedule (see Appendix B) will give you the selections from the handbooks that will be covered each month. In order to be prepared for the discussion, you will want to carefully study these designated selections prior to each monthly meeting and be prepared to share what you have learned. A third portion of the monthly training meeting will be dedicated to your efforts to improve your performance as a teacher and administrator. You will be encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and counsel with others regarding your performance. You will also want to be prepared to share what you have learned along with any meaningful experiences you have had during the previous month in teaching and administering. Your report could focus especially on your efforts to follow the action plan you have created and any progress you feel you have made. At the conclusion of each meeting you and your mentor will adjust your action plan in order to implement and practice the principles and skills reviewed in the meeting. 4

7 Remember to include in your plan important training elements like practice, observation, feedback, and continuing practice. You and your mentor should prepare a brief summary of the meeting including materials reviewed, list of principles identified, and your plan of action. You will send this summary to the area director by and retain a copy in your apprentice portfolio. VISITS AND OBSERVATIONS You should expect a monthly visit from your mentor, principal, or area director. During your first apprentice year, your pre-service trainer may also plan to visit you in order to maintain continuity with your previous year s training. Regular visits from these individuals are intended to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback, and to counsel with others regarding your teaching and administering. They should also help you obtain a more accurate assessment of how well you are meeting the standards of S&I. You may want to consider sharing the main points of your action plan with those who come to visit your classes and to invite them to watch for how you are doing in those specific areas. In addition to being observed each of you will have the opportunity to observe other teachers on a monthly basis. Your observations should be coordinated with the principal, area director, and the teacher being observed. You will want to consult with your mentor and area director to obtain names of teachers in the area that would be good for you to visit. After each observation you should provide a short summary to the mentor and area director that includes insights and lessons learned from the observation. This summary should also be included in your apprentice portfolio. THE APPRENTICE SEMINAR At the conclusion of your first year of employment, you will be invited to attend the Apprentice Seminar. The seminar will provide all one-year apprentices an opportunity to share lessons learned, to review principles of teaching, learning and administering, and to organize and present the contents of your apprentice portfolio to others in a meaningful way. You will also participate in discussions regarding the expectations of S&I for you in the coming years. WORKING WITH A MENTOR AND THE AREA DIRECTOR: THE M ENTO R One of the most important elements of the Apprentice Program is the mentor you will work with throughout the first two years of your employment. The area director will carefully select a mentor for you soon after you are hired. He or she will be appointed because they have demonstrated the same abilities and skills that you must acquire in order to succeed. Your mentor will have the ability to communicate and encourage. He or she will interact with you regularly, both in person and by other means as well. Your mentor will participate with you in monthly training meetings and help you develop and implement plans to improve. Much of your growth during the apprentice program will 5

8 come as a result of observing and participating with your mentor in regular working conditions. You will want to reach out to and develop relationships with others who can also assist in your understanding and growth. Your informal associations and conversations with other S&I teachers and leaders can be most helpful to you as new teacher. To that end you may want to review the following talk from President Henry B Eyring: To Choose and Keep a Mentor, [given to the faculty of Brigham Young University], 26 Aug. 1993). THE AR EA DIRECTO R Your area director is interested in seeing you grow and succeed in your new assignment. He will ensure that the apprentice program in the area is functioning and fulfilling its chief aims, and will help you establish a solid foundation in S&I. Specifically, the area director will: Appoint a qualified mentor for you * Inform you of expectations and responsibilities Schedule the monthly training meetings for new teachers and mentors Assign instructors for the monthly training meetings Provide an annual calendar of area inservice meetings Discuss and review with you what you are learning individual study with the new teacher Visit you and observe your class regularly in order to evaluate progress and give helpful feedback, vision, and encouragement Facilitate opportunities for you to meet with other teachers Review with you the contents of your apprentice portfolio and your overall progress at the end of your second year of employment *Note to Area Director: It will be important for you to consider the workload of each appointed mentor and to do whatever possible to help him or her to succeed in this important assignment. You may want to invite each mentor to study the message by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Jesus, the Perfect Mentor, (Ensign, Feb. 2001). APPRENTICE PORTFOLIO Each new teacher is expected to create an apprentice portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of a learner's work that is compiled over a period of time and used for assessing performance or progress. Unless circumstances do not allow for it, you will want to create and organize your portfolio in an electronic format. This will allow you to store, manage, add to, and share with your mentor, area director and others your notes, documents, files, s, and other materials that will make up your portfolio. Your apprentice portfolio will be reviewed after the first year of teaching during the Apprentice Seminar and again at the conclusion of your second year of employment by the area director. The following are some specific examples of what your portfolio may consist of: 6

9 Documents from your scripture study assignments that demonstrate your efforts to develop mastery in the scriptures like your verse groupings, summary statements, and the principles you identified, etc. (See the Scripture Study Assignments Schedule, Appendix A) Prophetic insight and commentary you have discovered that has helped you understand the scriptures or that has influenced your understanding of important principles related to gospel teaching and learning. Personal notes and highlights from your S&I handbooks, as well as any records of discussions, conversations, and experiences you have had, etc. in coming to better understand the principles, practices, and standards of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion. Your plan of action, based on monthly meetings, visits and observations, and other things you have learned, as well as any results you may have noted as you made an effort to implement that plan. Notes you may have from classroom observations, as well as feedback from your mentor, area director, and others. Samples of work from your classroom efforts and administrative duties SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THE S&I APPRENTICE PROGRAM Besides the personal and professional growth you will experience upon successfully completing the S&I Apprentice Program, you will also be eligible for the following: Continued employment with S&I Educational assistance for pursing an approved graduate degree Participation in the Northeastern, Midwestern, and Pioneer Trails S&I Church History Workshops Opportunity to engage in S&I Certifications Grade-level advancement (Salary increase) 7

10 APPENDIX A: SCRIPTURE STUDY ASSIGNMENTS SCHEDULE Study each of the standard works as outlined below. For each block of scripture you are to study, group contentrelated verses from each chapter and write a summary statement for each segment of verses. Identify doctrine and principles, and write clear succinct statements of doctrine or principle. (For further understanding see Gospel Teaching and Learning, Decide What to Teach [4.3.3], especially the segments entitled Understand the context and content of the scripture block being taught, and Identify and understand doctrines and principles. ) Remember to retain all of your work in your portfolio. Use the curriculum resource material suggested to substantiate your statements of doctrine and principle, and to deepen your understanding. OLD TEST AMENT STUDY ASSI GN MENT S (Study those books and chapters that are listed in the Suggested Student Readings section of the Old Testament Teacher Resource Manual) Study Session 1 Readings: Abraham Genesis 14 (includes Moses) pg Old Testament Student Manual Genesis 2 Samuel, 1-68 Study Session 2 Readings: Genesis 15 Genesis 33 pg Old Testament Student Manual Genesis 2 Samuel, Study Session 3 Readings: Genesis 34 Exodus 27 pg Old Testament Student Manual Genesis 2 Samuel, Study Session 4 Readings: Exodus 28 Leviticus pg Old Testament Student Manual Genesis 2 Samuel, Study Session 5 Readings: Numbers Judges 13 pg Old Testament Student Manual Genesis 2 Samuel, Study Session 6 Readings: Judges 14 2 Samuel pg Old Testament Student Manual Genesis 2 Samuel, Study Session 7 Readings: 1Kings 2 Chron. 15 pg Old Testament Student Manual 1 Kings - Malachi, pg Study Session 8 Readings: 2 Chron. 16 Isaiah 66 pg Old Testament Student Manual 1 Kings - Malachi, pg Study Session 9 Readings: Jeremiah - Ezekiel pg Teacher Resource manual, pg , Study Session 10 Readings: Daniel - Malachi pg ,

11 NEW TES TAMEN T S TUDY ASSI GN MENT S Study Session 1 Readings: Matthew 1 Matthew 28 New Testament Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 2 Readings: Mark 1 Mark 16 New Testament Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 3 Readings: Luke 1 Luke 24 New Testament Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 4 Readings: John 1 John 8 New Testament Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 5 Readings: John 9 John 21 Teacher Resource manual, Study Session 6 Readings: Acts 1- Acts 28 Teacher Resource manual, Study Session 7 Readings: Romans 2 Cor. Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 8 Readings: Galatians Philemon Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 9 Readings: Hebrews 2 Peter Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 10 Readings: 1 John - Revelation Teacher Resource manual, pg BOOK OF MORMON STUDY AS SI GN MENT S Study Session 1 Readings: 1Nephi 1-22 Resources: Book of Mormon Student Manual (2009) Religion 121 & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 2 Readings: 2 Nephi & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 3 Readings: Jacob 1 Mosiah & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 4 Readings: Mosiah 9 Mosiah & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 5 Readings: Alma 1 Alma & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 6 Readings: Alma 23 Alma & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 7 Readings : Alma 43 Helaman & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 8 Readings : Helaman 6 3 Nephi & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg

12 Study Session 9 Readings: 3 Nephi 21 Mormon 121 & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg Study Session 10 Readings: Ether Moroni & 122, pg Teacher Resource manual, pg DOCTRINE AN D COV EN ANT S STUDY AS SI GN MENT S Study Session 1 Readings: Joseph Smith History D&C 16 manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual 1-31 Study Session 2 Readings: D&C 17 - D&C 29 manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual Study Session 3 Readings: D&C 30 D&C 44 manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute SM Study Session 4 Readings: D&C 45 D&C 58 manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual Study Session 5 Readings: D&C 59 D&C 76 manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual Study Session 6 Readings: D&C 77 D&C 87 manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual Study Session 7 Readings: D&C 88 D&C 100 manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual Study Session 8 Readings: D&C 101 D&C 110 manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual Study Session 9 Readings: D&C manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual Study Session 10 Readings: D&C manual, pg Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual

13 APPENDIX B: S&I HANDBOOK AND MATERIALS STUDY ASSIGNMENTS SCHEDULE Below are the suggested topics for your study of the principles, practices, and standards contained in S&I Handbooks and Materials. Two study schedules (A&B) have been provided, one for each year of the apprentice program. Your area director, or one he has appointed, will keep you informed as to as to what schedule (either A or B) your area is following when you join the program. As you prepare for each monthly meeting, make sure you do your best to highlight and annotate the things that impress you the strongest in your study. Write down your insights and your questions as well so you can be prepared to participate meaningfully. The assigned instructor will lead the discussion in the meeting (see Monthly Training Meetings ), and after, you and your mentor will counsel together and determine how to adjust your plan of action so that you can best implement what you have learned. Remember to keep a record of everything you learn and do in your apprentice portfolio. SCHEDULE A Session Topics 1 The Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion (Gospel Teaching and Learning 1) Assignment Responsibilities (si.lds.org) 2 Administer Using True Principles (Administering Appropriately 8-9) Become a Christlike Leader (Administering Appropriately 18-19) Leadership Pattern (si.lds.org) 3 Fundamentals of Gospel Teaching (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2) Teach and Learn by the Spirit (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2.1) 4 Understand CES Assignments, Programs, and Materials Managing Information, Programs, and Resources (Administering Appropriately 10-15, 24-25) 5 Cultivate a learning environment of love, respect, and purpose (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2.2) 6 Study the scriptures daily and read the text for the course Study the Scriptures Daily (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2.3.1) Read the Text for the Course (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2.3.2) 7 Understand the context and content of the scriptures and the words of the prophets (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2.4) 8 Indentify, Understand, Feel the Truth of and Apply Gospel Doctrine and Principles (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2.5) 9 Develop Divine Potential and Promote Professional Growth (Administering Appropriately 15-17) 10 Explain, share, and testify of gospel doctrines and principles (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2.6) Master key scripture passages and basic doctrines (Gospel Teaching and Learning 2.7) 11

14 SCHEDULE B Session Topics 1 The Objective of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion (Gospel Teaching and Learning 1) Assignment Responsibilities (si.lds.org) 2 Using Councils and Committees in CES Interview and Counsel Together (Administering Appropriately 22-23, 36-37) 3 Teaching the Scriptures in S&I (Gospel Teaching and Learning 3) 4 The Importance of Wise and Timely Decisions Delegate Responsibilities (Administering Appropriately 27-28) 5 Assist Priesthood Leaders 6 Preparing to teach (Gospel Teaching and Learning 4) Personal Preparation (4.1) Student Preparation (4.2) 7 Assess Teaching and Administering Training in the Church Educational System (Administering Appropriately 31-34) 8 Lesson Preparation (Gospel Teaching and Learning 4.3) 9 Teaching Methods, Skills, and Approaches (Gospel Teaching and Learning 5) Questions (Gospel Teaching and Learning 5.1) 10 Class Discussion Music (Gospel Teaching and Learning ) General Counsel and Cautions (Gospel Teaching and Learning 5.12) Continuing to Improve as a Teacher (Gospel Teaching and Learning 6) 12