Sunday School Teacher Training Academy

Our District Apostle introduced the Sunday School Teacher Training Academy to those who were present at Good Hope Centre on Sunday 22 August 2004.

Herewith are some brief details as to what the Academy is all about.

The SSTA is a body commissioned by the District Apostle which runs under the guiding hand of the responsible Apostle, Bishop and the Sunday School Commission. It consists of brothers and sisters who have given up their time and talents in order to be trained for the purpose of facilitating the training of all those involved in Sunday School in one way or another. In addition, this body will serve as a resource and supporting mechanism for teachers. This would include developing materials, supporting a special web site for the SS, creating a framework for teachers who need support and guidance and other related activities. It is expected that the SSTA will evolve as the focus may change or new needs may be identified over the years by the District Apostle.

The Aims of the SSTA:
1. identify the needs of SS teachers through workshops and research
2. develop a training schedule for every teacher of the DA area
3. work closely with all role-players at HO whose field of responsibility touches on the work of the SSTA
4. continue to be guided by the commission of the District Apostle, Responsible Ministries and the Sunday School Commission
5. establish a resource centre and web site for use by SS Teachers
6. train all role-players involved in Sunday School to fully develop their skills and potential
7. provide support for new and experienced teachers who may from time to time need extra help
8. foster a work ethic among teachers that will create a vibrant and lively sense of joyfulness amongst children and teachers
9. work towards a professional approach to SS teaching without neglecting the core message of the New Apostolic Faith
10. continue to recognize that the task of teaching remains essentially one of love, kindness, sacrifice and personal commitment – values which can never be replaced or trained
11. accept that the most important aspect of our teaching is the spiritual development of our children and that teachers are involved in the task of preparing bridal souls for the return of Christ
12. provide a means whereby teachers can create the best learning environment for their SS children that will foster interest and enthusiasm for the word of God, the Bible and the Sunday School lessons.

Several more specific objectives will, of course, be identified in future:

Trainers of Academy Trainees:

They are responsible to train trainees in the art of Presentation, Public Speaking, Conflict Handling, Creativity and Facilitation. Provision should be made to adapt such skills to be useful for SS purposes. Regular updates and renewal training will also have to take place with the trainees so that this is an on-going process. This group should also work closely with the commission on what the needs are. Once this group has received the applicable training they will train all our Sunday School teachers.

The following topics indicate the type of material that will be presented by the SSTA in the form of Presentations, Seminars or Workshops.

1. Lesson Preparation
2. Lesson Presentation
3. Lesson Assessment
4. Effective Teaching Aids
5. Handling Socio-economic factors impacting on SS
6. The effects of learning/physical disabilities
7. How health and moral issues affect your children
8. Personality and teaching
9. Extra-curricular activities
10. Discipline

Teaching Children – Privilege and Responsibility

Remember that no one is born a teacher. Your willing attitude begins to qualify you as a teacher of children. Seven qualities of the teacher are suggested:

T –teachable
E – example
A – attitude
C – commitment
H – humour
E – enthusiasm
R – relationships

Induction of a New Teacher

Induction is a structured process and designed to integrate the new teacher into his/her role and acquire the necessary knowledge to perform the job at an acceptable standard as soon as possible. No teacher should be expected to start teaching unless they have undergone the necessary training. Amongst others, the following will be discussed and taught:

When does a teacher prepare?
Content & Time allocation
Age Groups & Development Stages of child
Teaching Aids
Activities
Goals/Objectives
Children’s background (Know the child)
Lesson structure
Teaching and Learning styles
Language medium
Scholastic/Academic challenges
Absenteeism
Learning disabilities

The SS Training Academy is currently being finalised and the necessary logistics being put in place. It is envisaged that training for all SS teachers, RI teachers, Confirmation teachers and Coordinators will commence in February 2005.