Ten Points For Maintaining High Standards in Smaller Church Schools

1. Class should meet every Sunday for the full ____minutes. (classes should meet for at least 35 weeks per year, and a minimum of 45 minutes)

2. Classes should have (and follow) a real Orthodox curriculum, even if this is self-designed.

3. No story telling or favorite topics should get in the way of the day’s material.

4. Use only experienced, “trained”* teachers, or have those who are not, work with someone more experienced if possible.

5. Make sure all teachers have ongoing training and regular meetings together with the church school director.

6. Run the church school professionally, using:
a. application forms for teachers/volunteers
b. student “registration day”
c. church school announcements in bulletins, newsletters, posters, web site, and sent home with students
d. keep attendance, and recognize good attendance
e. have programs and pageants just as you would in a larger church school

7. Involve the parish:
a. have “open house” and programs to which all are invited
b. have a supply drive, soliciting donations of pencils, crayons, colored paper, etc.
c. have a display once or twice a year in a central place, showing student’s work, art projects, and the curriculum you use
d. ask the priest to talk up church school just before it opens, and have him recognize the teachers in some way

8. Place is important. Make sure each class has: a quiet place in which to meet, good lighting, enough tables and chairs, a whiteboard/chalkboard, and wastebasket, as well as a supply container which includes pencils, pens, pencil sharpener, crayons, paste, paper, colored paper, tape, scissors and glue sticks.

9. Have a high standard for student behavior. Students should be reasonably attentive and respectful of the teacher and others. If a student is out of control, he should not be in the class with others who are trying to learn. Call Mom or Dad!

10. Last but certainly not least, include prayer in the package. Pray about your class and lesson before hand, pray with your students in class, and model for them how to pray for themselves and (especially) others.

Remember, high standards foster a good learning environment where your students can learn about their faith, and see examples of how to live an Orthodox life. Even though you will probably not see many instant rewards, what you say and do can have profound effect on your students later. You are helping foster the future Orthodox Christian laity, deacons, priests, church school directors, choir directors, etc. What an awesome thing that is, and what an important position you hold!

Note: by "trained" we do not necessarily mean people with a college teaching degree, but people experienced in the field, who have taken opportunity to take teacher training when available to them. If you would like to provide a teacher training opportunity for your parish, contact your diocesan Christian Education representative, or Myra Kovalak, OCEC Director of Teacher Training at: mekovalak@gmail.com .