A Teacher's Example

The following statement has been attributed to Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965, the physician, musician, and humanitarian who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952):

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others... it is the only thing."

President Hinckley once commented to bishops (Ensign, November 2003, p. 60) that:

"You are... their teacher, their example, whether you wish to be or not."

...and so are Seminary teachers!

Elder Delbert L. Stapley gave this advice to gospel teachers (Conference Report, April 1969, p. 44):

"A wise man, when asked to list three cardinal points that exemplified the lives of the great teachers of all time and that would be a guide to new teachers, said: "First, teach by example. Second, teach by example. Third, teach by example."

In April General Conference 1999, Elder M. Russell Ballard (Ensign, May 1999, p. 85) noted that:

"As parents, teachers, and leaders, it is our solemn duty to set a powerful, personal example of righteous strength, courage, sacrifice, unselfish service, and self-control. These are the traits that will help our youth hold on to the iron rod of the gospel and remain on the straight and narrow path."

May we each be blessed to recognize and remember the influence that our example is having on our students.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com