Seminary & Institute Teacher (Tempe, Arizona)

About the Role

This position is for full and part-time Seminary and Institute Teachers in the Tempe area. Ideal candidates will have a love for youth and young adults, high character, and the ability to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ in a Christ-centered, learner-focused, and scripturally based manner. Candidates should be effective administrators who work well with parents and priesthood leaders.

The employment process includes several steps:

• Complete the REL 471 Teaching Seminary Workshop (register at myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org). This includes a peer-to-peer teaching evaluation.
• Participate in a 3-4 day local seminary teaching practicum.
• Student teach (selected from successful practicum participants). Student teachers are paid for teaching, preparation, and administrative time, typically working 15-20 hours per week. Assignments may last from one semester up to a full academic year or longer.
• Full-time employment decisions are made by Seminaries and Institutes administration in Salt Lake City; part-time decisions are made by local administrators based on demand.

If you live 90 miles or more from a Preservice Center, you may apply and register for REL 471 remotely via teachseminary.churchofjesuschrist.org. For assistance, contact Eric Christensen (ChristensenEK@churchofjesuschrist.org) or Andrea Southwick (andrea.southwick@churchofjesuschrist.org) between February and August, or Jolene Davis (DavisJL@churchofjesuschrist.org) between September and January.

Responsibilities

• Teach the doctrines and principles of the gospel using scriptures and prophetic teachings in an edifying manner.
• Use approved curriculum and materials, and teach the number of classes recommended by policy.
• Accept faculty assignments and observe classroom teaching to provide feedback.
• Pursue continual professional growth.
• Establish effective working relationships with priesthood leaders through clear communication.
• Identify and enroll potential students in collaboration with priesthood leaders.
• Cultivate a classroom environment of love, respect, and purpose.

Schedule

Seminary instructors are expected to work the time necessary to fulfill teaching and administrative responsibilities. Full-time instructors are not eligible for overtime.

• Trimester system: Teach four of the five trimester classes each trimester.
• Eight-period block system: Teach six of the eight classes each semester.
• Seven-period day: Teach a minimum of six classes.
• Student-to-teacher ratio should be approximately 150-180 to one, with no more than 35 students per class.

Qualifications

• Seminary: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of religious teacher training (preservice) and student teaching.
• Institute: Master’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of religious teacher training (preservice) and student teaching.
• Worthy and active member of the Church with a current temple recommend.
• Testimony of the Savior and His restored gospel.
• Adherence to Church teachings regarding marriage and family life.
• Reputation for meeting financial commitments.
• Ability to relate to and manage a classroom of teenagers.
• Outstanding scripture-teaching skills, both face-to-face and online.

Benefits

Learn more about the benefits of Church employment at careers.churchofjesuschrist.org.