November 17, 2006

To: General Authorities; Area Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents

Dear Brethren:

Changes to the Teacher Improvement Program

The positions of stake teacher improvement coordinator and ward teacher improvement coordinator have been discontinued. Quarterly teacher improvement meetings have also been discontinued. Details are on the reverse side of this letter [see below].

We encourage bishops to teach priesthood and auxiliary leaders their responsibility for the quality of gospel teaching in their organizations, as outlined in this letter and on pages 300–306 in the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders.

Sincerely yours,

Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust

The First Presidency

1. Priesthood and auxiliary leaders should:

• Orient each new teacher in their organizations.
• Provide ongoing instruction and support for teachers in their organizations.

2. Ward Sunday School presidencies should:

• Assume the responsibilities previously held by ward teacher improvement coordinators.
• Assist priesthood and auxiliary leaders in orienting, instructing, and providing ongoing support for teachers.

3. Members of ward councils should:

• Regularly counsel together about how to improve gospel teaching and learning in their wards.
• Be instructed in principles relating to gospel teaching and learning. The Sunday School president could be invited to provide this instruction, under the direction of the bishop.

Resources

Guidelines for orienting and supporting teachers are outlined in the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders (pages 300–306) and Improving Gospel Teaching: A Leader's Guide (pages 4–6).

Teaching, No Greater Call and the Teaching Guidebook continue to be key resources for teacher improvement. Additional instruction on teacher improvement will be provided in the worldwide leadership training meeting on February 10, 2007.

[End of letter]