It is sometimes said: "Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach," which is a rather mean-spirited jab at people who lead others. I prefer to say this: "Those who can, do; those who can do more, learn how!" This is the mindset of those who attended the Teacher Training Day. Whether someone has been a teacher for more than 10 years or is just beginning, there is always opportunity to learn more.

The day began with socializing, registration, browsing through the book table, and a much needed cup of coffee. After some spirited singing (in more than one language even), we listened to Greg Girard speak about motivation. This got us revved up for our first workshop.

Participants could take three of the following workshops: Super-intendent Workshop, How to Teach a Basic Lesson, Discipline in the Classroom, Drama, Multi-Aged Classroooms, Rooms That Say "Wow," Communication, Special Needs Children, Children’s Bulletins, Crafts, and several workshops in Spanish.

The workshops I chose were very helpful, and this seemed to be the consensus for whatever workshops were chosen. Even though I have been involved with my church’s Sunday School program for 13 years, there is always something new under the sun (with my apologies to Ecclesiastes 1: 9).

At the end of the day, participants were clutching craft samples and resource materials protectively, and a couple of items that had been recommended in workshops sold out at the book table. You could hear people discussing the workshops they had attended and exchanging ideas with others from their groups. I imagine there was a lot of talk on the long drive home about what had been learned.

The Teacher Training Day is an annual event, generally held at the beginning of October. If you are involved with the spiritual development of children in any way—Sunday School, Story Hour, VBS, home schooling, GEMS/Cadets—then this day is for you. It is highly recommended that you attend, especially if you are new to the job of teaching children. Even if you are a seasoned teaching veteran, there are many things yet to learn. You have no idea what you don’t know!

In our busy lives, it’s often difficult to take out an entire Saturday to devote to personal growth as a Sunday School teacher. But it is time well spent. In the end, not only do the children benefit, but the teachers do as well.

When you develop more confidence in your abilities, you become a more effective teacher. when you show up in class with great enthusiasm for a new idea, the children will have enthusiasm, too. And when the flame of the Spirit has been fanned by gathering with others who have the same concerns and desires, the children will know.

The children will know! And that’s worth eight hours of anybody’s year.