How Devotionals Have Strengthened My Teaching Abilities

Mikaela Campbell

McKay Student Ambassador

Early Childhood Education

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At Brigham Young University, we have the opportunity to attend the weekly Tuesday devotional. This is an hour each week where we can be spiritually strengthened by speakers, including teachers, leaders, and general authorities, who have their own unique experiences to share. And although each talk is unique, each is meant to be centered on Jesus Christ.

I often leave the devotionals feeling uplifted and reminded of the priorities I should have in my life. Being consistently taught about whom I should rely on gives me added strength as a student at Brigham Young University. Learning about Him also reminds me that, as I move forward in my degree, I want to become more like Him—the Master Teacher. When I focus on the Savior, I am more capable of being compassionate, attentive, and sincere. The devotionals are one of the places where I am reminded of the person and teacher I am striving to become.

As I attend the devotionals, I am consistently reminded of the small yet key principles that will guide my life. Earlier this year, President Dallin H. Oaks visited Brigham Young University and shared four ways we can draw closer to the Savior. These are strengthening our faith in Him, increasing our humility, seeking help from others, and being patient. Looking back, I have found his advice especially meaningful because these same principles can help us become better teachers.

Strengthen Our Faith in Jesus Christ:

Teaching is such a rewarding career, but it doesn't come without its challenges. There will be days when we will feel weak, overwhelmed, inadequate, and exhausted. This is why it's so important now to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ. Having faith in him will grant us added reassurance, greater confidence, and increased strength to handle our challenges, recognize our triumphs, and make quick decisions in the classroom.

Increase Our Humility:

As teachers, we will make mistakes and constantly need to adjust our teaching methods to better support our students. By developing humility, we become more capable of recognizing the changes we need to make, which helps us grow into better teachers. It is okay not to know everything or handle every situation perfectly. Teaching is a process of growth, and we need to embrace that.

Seek Help From Others:

A large part of teaching is learning how to collaborate and rely on those around us. This is especially valuable during the first several years of teaching, when we are lacking experience. While we each bring unique strengths to the classroom, we cannot do everything on our own. Burnout is real, and learning to seek support from others is an important skill to develop. As teachers, we want to do all we can to help our students feel cared for and to succeed. Working and planning with others is part of helping us accomplish that.

Be Patient:

Being patient is not only important but essential for teachers. Each day brings many successes, but also a fair share of challenges and demanding responsibilities. As we strengthen our patience, we are better able to remain calm and respond thoughtfully throughout the day while working with students, parents, and colleagues. And don't forget that there are so many joyful and heartwarming moments in a day, too!

These all came from one devotional where I was inspired and learned many valuable lessons for my personal life and future career. During my time at BYU, many other messages have stood out to me and helped me come closer to Jesus Christ. Make time to attend the devotionals; it will be worth it! There is much that you can apply to your own life now as a student and in your efforts to become a teacher.

The next devotional will be on June 2nd and will be given by Elysa Dishman, who is a professor of law at Brigham Young University. You can find more information and see other upcoming devotionals here.

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