What Every Teacher Needs to Know Series

Teachers have an awesome privilege and responsibility to partner with God in the faith formation of children, youth, and adults. We teachers want to do good, and we want to do well.

Doing good as a teacher means, first, as John Wesley described in his General Rules, that we do no harm. We are familiar with the basics of teaching and learning and of our faith. As we grow, we move ahead to do good; that is, to work for the benefit of the student and for the Kingdom of God. Doing well means that we strive to be faithful, knowledgeable, and prepared; that we are lifelong learners ourselves.

These resources provide a primer of information on each topic and a self-guided continuing education component that you can use yourself (Dig Deeper: Personal Exercises) or with others (For Further Study and Reflection). Check out the inventory at the beginning to get a sense of your level of familiarity with each topic. Then dive in for the rest!

Teachers Understand the Basics of Teaching (and more)

Teachers as Spiritual Leaders and Theologians

Teachers Live the Faith

Teachers Understand The United Methodist Church

Teachers Know Their Place in the Faith Story