In the McKay School of Education, we strive to model Jesus Christ as the Master Teacher. Because of Christ's amazing ability to teach, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places a focus on teaching and learning in the Savior's way.
The Prophet, President Russel M. Nelson, has always placed an emphasis on education. In an address to young adults, President Nelson explained, “Education is yours to obtain. No one else can gain it for you. Wherever you are, develop a deep desire to learn. For us as Latter-day Saints, getting an education is not just a privilege; it is a religious responsibility". The prophet explains that we are here on this earth to learn. As we dedicate our time and resources to expanding our knowledge, we will be eternally blessed.
In addition to extra blessings, it is also our duty to be educated and to educate others. Sister Mary N. Cook explains, "God gave you moral agency and the opportunity to learn while on earth, and He has a work for you to do." In this talk, Sister Cook encourages us to make a list of things we want to learn on this earth. As we learn new skills and gain a stronger testimony, we have the ability to bless those around us.
If we want to be able to help those around us to learn, we must be prepared to teach them. David O. McKay once said, "A teacher cannot teach others that which he himself does not know". It is our goal to help students come to understand a topic for themselves. We are not to treat students as vessels to be filled, but fires to be sparked (Elder Holland 2019). As we gain a better education, we will be better able to lead students to understanding the world for themselves.
There is so much we can learn about education from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am thankful for their continued direction and insights to help guide me in my studies and in my life.
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