Interesting points, Neil...as we are almost through our third year, the teacher recruitment/training challenge is one that I constantly try to improve.

We have several teachers who do teach regularly, although we still recruit one rotation at a time. You've got me thinking...Maybe it's time to focus on recruiting for a longer stretch.

I have long thought that a good way to do teacher training in this model would be a planned "observation" period for new teachers. That would be easier to implement if we knew ahead of time who was teaching.

We are also considering creating a teacher training video that covers the basics of teaching for novices AND in particular demonstrates how to modify a lesson as the weeks go by and the children become more familiar with the story. Our newer teachers really have a hard time with that concept.

A few questions...

How far ahead do you schedule your "come teach with me" sessions?

(Neil answers: I'll accept any date they offer, next Sunday, next month, even "how about now?" I don't ask them to "observe" but rather "help" and then give them some notes ahead of time and on-the-fly guidance during class.)

How do you manage the inevitable schedule requests when you plan ahead? "I can teach this weekend and this weekend, but not this weekend?"

(Neil answers: When they are "assisting" I'll take any time they can offer. Filling in with last minute helpers is par for the course in any program. I ask my CE committee to "make the rounds on Sunday to see who needs help."  I even got the pastor to stay and help.  I like your "training videos" idea, but having someone mentor/model to others in an actual lesson is usually the best way to apply what they've heard or seen.)

Thanks,
Jaymie