The Inward Look

A self-check
list for Sunday
school teachers

Feeling a bit discouraged about your efforts as a Sunday school teacher? Are you bothered by symptoms of ineffectiveness? Here’s a short questionnaire that will help you identify just where your problems lie. It’s a sort of self-diagnosis for concerned teachers. Write True or False in the space provided to the left of each statement and then total your score.

TEACHER TRAINING

I look forward to workshops and teachers’ training sessions and feel they have been a benefit to my teaching.

I have familiarized myself with the Teacher’s Handbook and refer to it often.

LESSON PREPARATION

I set aside a regular time early in the week for lesson preparation.

I use my Teachers Guide and other reference materials in preparing my lesson.

I plan an opener, a visual aid, and a conclusion that stress the objective of the lesson.

I think about what response I want from my students and carefully plan how to achieve it.

CURRICULUM

I study the Teacher’s Guide carefully before beginning to plan my lesson presentation.

As a part of my study, I look over the materials presented for teachers on levels other than the one I am teaching.

I encourage my students to use the provided materials through appropriate contests and other motivational devices.

IN-CLASS EVANGELISM

I know which of my students have experienced salvation.

I pray with my students around the altars.

I make an effort to acquaint myself with the special needs, home situations, or decisions facing my students.

I try to gear my teaching around the interests and involvements of my class, bearing in mind that their spiritual gain must be the focus of every class session.

SCHEDULING

I arrive at least fifteen minutes before Sunday school begins.

I make round table and Sunday school related activities a priority in my monthly schedule.

I take time to observe and note ideas and methods used by other teachers.

STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS

I maintain friendly and open communication lines with my students.

I regularly contact my students, absentees, and visitors by phone, mail, or in person. I recognize and reward good behavior in class.

I make a conscious effort to never embarrass or put any of my students on the spot.

I try to develop a sense of security in my class members by always using fair, consistent discipline.

TEACHING METHODS

I vary my teaching methods from week to week.

I try to involve my students actively in the lesson whenever possible.

I attempt different methods of eliciting class discussion, and observe which ones work particularly well in my class.

I analyze all available resources in deciding the best method to use for each lesson.

I’m not afraid to try new methods and ideas.

TEACHING AIDS

I frequently use pictures, objects, sound effects, etc., as teaching aids in my class sessions.

I utilize my bulletin boards as a teaching device and change them frequently.

I have explored with my class techniques that are appropriate, involving art, drama, writing, quizzes, etc.

PRAYER

I truly believe that prayer is the single most effective tool in teacher preparation.

I pray daily for each student in my class.

I pray for ideas and inspiration for class material, reviews, and any contribution I am asked to make for the Sunday school.

How did you score? Do most of these statements apply to you, or do you need to improve in some areas? Evaluate the items where you recorded a False. Are these important aspects of teaching? What effect might a True make on your teaching? Ask God to help you really focus in on the importance of the job you have been called to do for Him. With His help, your vigor, enthusiasm, and spiritual strength can be renewed in your teaching ministry.